Richard A. Swan, 63, beloved husband, brother, uncle and friend to many, died peacefully with his family by his side, June 29, 2016, after courageously fighting cancer for the past 9 years. He was born in Brewer, September 21, 1952 to Harold and Hilda Swan.
Rick nurtured a lifelong love of the outdoors while growing up in Brewer, exploring the woods, rivers and trails with his younger siblings in tow and in the company of many dear friends. He met the love of his life and future wife, Connie (Sullivan), at Brewer High School, where he graduated in 1970. The since inseparable pair were married in June of 1973, and have spent the past 43 years traveling the world together, sailing the Maine Coast on their beloved sailboat, skiing, kayaking and supporting each other in every endeavor – it has been a love story in its purest and truest form. Rick was an undeniably loving and devoted husband, demonstrated in his steadfast partnership in Connie’s business, Soft Touch Skin Care. Connie and Rick were able to celebrate their 43rd wedding anniversary this year with a short trip to the Colorado Rockies, a celebration fit for their lifetime together.
Further committing himself to the Maine woods and wildlife, Rick received a degree in Forestry from the University of Maine at Orono in 1974. After graduation, Rick led Swan’s Honey, the family beekeeping business, to become the largest honey business in the State of Maine – thus earning the loving name of “Uncle Buzz” by his nephews. It was this true passion for growth and conscientiousness that propelled Rick into a career he was truly proud of -- since 1999, Rick has embarked on his own, dedicating himself as a Financial Advisor at Wells Fargo in Bangor, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
Rick was at home in the outdoors – even more so when he could share the adventure with loved ones. His tenacity inspired many, having earned many accolades in whitewater kayaking, skiing and sailing throughout his lifetime. There wasn’t an element of his life that was not influenced by his fervent attachment to the outdoors – he became an Eagle Scout early in life, was a member of the Air National Guard, sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, earned his pilot’s license and paddled annually in many whitewater races. Rick spent every season outside, whether it be in Maine, Canada, or the West, mountain biking and salmon fishing in warmer months, and skiing in the winter.
His legacy extends beyond recreation -- he will be remembered by the work he put into the environment in recent years, most notably by his connection to the Penobscot Indian Nation, whom he admired and supported for their work to protect our rivers and streams. Later this year, he will be permanently remembered with the re-naming of the multi-use trail system within the University of Maine forest at Perch Pond, which he was a leader in building.
Above all, Rick was known for his special blend of humility, patience, and kindness -- his indomitable spirit, determination, and physical toughness were legendary. Rick was much loved and will be immensely missed by all.
Rick is survived by his loving wife, Connie of Bradley; his mother and father, Hilda and Harold Swan of Brewer; his brother Stephen and wife Patti of Windham; his brother David and wife Jane of Cumberland; his sister Ellen and husband of Bowdoinham; his sister-in-law Cindy of Sullivan and David Gould of York; his sister-in-law Carol White of Florida; his nephews Jason and Adam Gould; niece Leah Swan; and nieces and nephews Andrew, Hannah (Leatherman), Caleb, Abby (Bousfield), Adam and Christine Levesque.
Friends may call between 1pm-3pm and 5pm-7pm, Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at Brookings Smith, 133 Center Street, Bangor, where a memorial service will be celebrated 11am, Thursday, July 7th. The family invites relatives and friends to share in conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Service of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center Street, immediately following the service. Those who wish to remember Rick in a special way may make gifts in his memory to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.
Rick nurtured a lifelong love of the outdoors while growing up in Brewer, exploring the woods, rivers and trails with his younger siblings in tow and in the company of many dear friends. He met the love of his life and future wife, Connie (Sullivan), at Brewer High School, where he graduated in 1970. The since inseparable pair were married in June of 1973, and have spent the past 43 years traveling the world together, sailing the Maine Coast on their beloved sailboat, skiing, kayaking and supporting each other in every endeavor – it has been a love story in its purest and truest form. Rick was an undeniably loving and devoted husband, demonstrated in his steadfast partnership in Connie’s business, Soft Touch Skin Care. Connie and Rick were able to celebrate their 43rd wedding anniversary this year with a short trip to the Colorado Rockies, a celebration fit for their lifetime together.
Further committing himself to the Maine woods and wildlife, Rick received a degree in Forestry from the University of Maine at Orono in 1974. After graduation, Rick led Swan’s Honey, the family beekeeping business, to become the largest honey business in the State of Maine – thus earning the loving name of “Uncle Buzz” by his nephews. It was this true passion for growth and conscientiousness that propelled Rick into a career he was truly proud of -- since 1999, Rick has embarked on his own, dedicating himself as a Financial Advisor at Wells Fargo in Bangor, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
Rick was at home in the outdoors – even more so when he could share the adventure with loved ones. His tenacity inspired many, having earned many accolades in whitewater kayaking, skiing and sailing throughout his lifetime. There wasn’t an element of his life that was not influenced by his fervent attachment to the outdoors – he became an Eagle Scout early in life, was a member of the Air National Guard, sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, earned his pilot’s license and paddled annually in many whitewater races. Rick spent every season outside, whether it be in Maine, Canada, or the West, mountain biking and salmon fishing in warmer months, and skiing in the winter.
His legacy extends beyond recreation -- he will be remembered by the work he put into the environment in recent years, most notably by his connection to the Penobscot Indian Nation, whom he admired and supported for their work to protect our rivers and streams. Later this year, he will be permanently remembered with the re-naming of the multi-use trail system within the University of Maine forest at Perch Pond, which he was a leader in building.
Above all, Rick was known for his special blend of humility, patience, and kindness -- his indomitable spirit, determination, and physical toughness were legendary. Rick was much loved and will be immensely missed by all.
Rick is survived by his loving wife, Connie of Bradley; his mother and father, Hilda and Harold Swan of Brewer; his brother Stephen and wife Patti of Windham; his brother David and wife Jane of Cumberland; his sister Ellen and husband of Bowdoinham; his sister-in-law Cindy of Sullivan and David Gould of York; his sister-in-law Carol White of Florida; his nephews Jason and Adam Gould; niece Leah Swan; and nieces and nephews Andrew, Hannah (Leatherman), Caleb, Abby (Bousfield), Adam and Christine Levesque.
Friends may call between 1pm-3pm and 5pm-7pm, Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at Brookings Smith, 133 Center Street, Bangor, where a memorial service will be celebrated 11am, Thursday, July 7th. The family invites relatives and friends to share in conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Service of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center Street, immediately following the service. Those who wish to remember Rick in a special way may make gifts in his memory to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.
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