Harry I. Swanson, 81, passed away July 13, 2005 with his three daughters by his side. Harry was born Oct. 17, 1923 in Tacoma to Hjelmar and Ingeborg Swanson. He had two brothers, Einer and S. Marlow and one sister, Gloria who preceded him in death. In 1941, Harry joined the Navy and he served in both World War II and the Korean Conflict. He moved to Oak Harbor more than 50 years ago, and retired from Civil Service in 1978 after a 33 year career in government service.

Harry loved to fish. Beginning in his early teens, he worked on his father’s fishing boat gill netting off the coast of Alaska. Throughout his life, he was never far from the Pacific Ocean where he spent many hours with his fishing lines in the water.

Harry will be remembered as someone that lived life to its fullest. Early in life, he traveled the world and later in life stayed closer to home enjoying his garden, his grandchildren and his own private fishing pond.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Jan Swanson, in Oak Harbor. He was a loving father to his three daughters and their families: Kristine Bartos (Laguna Beach, Calif.), Katy and Randy Allen (San Jose, Calif.) and Nancy and Gene Koll (Eugene, Oregon). He also had three step children, John and Alan Bauer and Claudine Stepper. Harry is also survived by nine grandchildren, Paul and Jeff Allen, Carrie Lippis, Harry Bartos, Jesse, Pamela and Brian Bauers, and Ethan and Kindel Stepper; and two great grandchildren, Taylor and Sydney.

Harry will be remembered by his family for his love of life, spontaneity and positive attitude of always looking at the bright side. He was fond of saying “let’s play it by ear” and frequently reminded us all to take time to smell the roses.

A memorial service will be held Monday, July 18 at 10 a.m. at the Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, 1253 NW 2nd Avenue. Memorial contributions can be made to the Whidbey Animals’ Improvement Foundation, PO Box 1108, Coupeville, WA 98239, www.waifanimal.org” www.waifanimal.org.