John E. Swanson

John E. Swanson, Jr., age 80, longtime resident of Northville, unexpectedly passed away on February 22, 2023, with his family by his side.  He was born on August 14, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, son of John E., Sr. and Virginia R. (Penrod) Swanson.  He graduated from Thornton Township High School in Harvey, Illinois, class of 1960, and from Oakland University with a business degree in 1966.  John was united in marriage to Karen L. McIntyre on April 10, 1971, and they shared 51 devoted years together.

John began his career in finance with Ford Motor Company in 1966 in Utica and retired in 2003 as Controller of the Milan manufacturing plant.  His dedication and pride showed in his achievements throughout his 36-year career.

John’s life revolved around his family.  He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and all of their accomplishments.  He enjoyed many family traditions and gatherings, especially as the family grew.  He cherished the time he spent with family socializing and listening to oldies on the deck at home or on the back of his boat.  He shared his love of classic movies with his children and grandchildren.

He was a lifelong amateur radio enthusiast and became a licensed ham operator (W8CXZ) at age 12.  He also enjoyed woodworking and many other varied projects in his workshop.  John loved dogs and adored his faithful West Highland Terrier companion, Mr. Chips.

John was a lifelong boater and spent summers cruising the Great Lakes - a favorite area of his was the North Channel in upper Lake Huron, Ontario.  Following retirement, he and Karen lived on board C.S. Cape in Mackinaw City where he was a member of the American Legion and also a member of the Mackinac Island Yacht Club.

When he was not cruising on the Great Lakes, he liked to travel.  He visited many places in Europe and the US, but he especially enjoyed trips to Iowa to visit his daughter and her family.

John is survived by his loving wife, Karen L. Swanson; his children, Kathryn (Michael) Howie, John Eric (Heather) Swanson, and Janet (Robert) Morales; and his grandchildren, Meredith and Adam Swanson, Sadie and Samuel Morales, and Henry, George, and Isabella Howie.  He will be dearly missed and live forever in their hearts and memories.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Michigan Humane , Bingham Farms, MI. ( https://www.michiganhumane. org ).