Richard Dean Swift

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Saturday, July 4, 1998
at his home near Philip at the age of 49

Richard Dean Swift was born April 3, 1949, at Burke, South Dakota, the son of Calvin and Marjorie (Johnson) Swift.

At the age of six years, he moved with his parents to a ranch eight miles west of Philip.  He grew up on the ranch and attended rural school prior to graduating from Philip High School in 1969.  He then attended Technical Institute for Mechanics in Denver, Colorado.

He returned to Philip where he worked as a mechanic for several businesses in the Philip area.  He also served in the National Guard with the Philip Guard Unit.

Richard was united in marriage to Vivian Baker on November 12, 1977, at Rapid City.

They made their home in Rapid City for a short time before moving to Belle Fourche, where he worked as a mechanic.

In the early 1980s, they moved to Arizona where they lived until his wife's death on August 5, 1981.

He then returned to the Philip area where he made this home with his parents on the family ranch.  He ranched, did carpentry work, and also continued his mechanic trade.

Richard was a member of the United Church of Philiip.

Grateful for having shared his life are his parents, Calvin "Cal" and Marjorie Swift of Philip; two brothers, Larry Swift of Philip and Thomas Swift of Black Hawk; a sister, Sandra Bockman of Waco, Texas; his paternal grandmother, Marie Swift of Burke; several nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

In addition to his wife, Vivian, he was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents and his paternal grandfather.

A memorial is established.

Services
Tuesday, July 7, 1998
10:00 a.m.
United Church
Philip, South Dakota

Officiating
Pastor Donald Lagge

Music
Barb Bowen - Organist
Debbie Smith - Vocalist

Ushers
Harold "Bud" Stickler - Rod Knutson

Active Pallbearers
Darrell Schumacker - Rick Borden
Chuck Carstensen - Mick Mortellaro
Dwayne Newman - Glen Radway

Honorary Pallbearers
All relatives and friends in attendance

Interment
Mountain View Cemetery
Rapid City, South Dakota

Service Details

Services
Tuesday, July 7, 1998
10:00 a.m.
United Church in Philip