MICHAEL DAVID SWISHER 1955 - 2019

On Wednesday, February 27th, 2019, Michael David Swisher, proud father and grandfather, passed away after years of declining health. A lifetime of smoking culminated in the heart attack that claimed his life. He passed peacefully and surrounded by love, his family beside him in his final moments on this earth.

Michael’s life could be read on his person like the growth rings on a tree: times of abundance and scarcity, as well as of growth and loss. Born July 7th, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Arlington Heights with two brothers and two sisters. He was a natural athlete as a child, playing hockey, baseball, and football. His love for sports would prove lasting as a fan of the Blackhawks, Cubs, Bulls, and, astonishingly, the Green Bay Packers. As an adult he enjoyed golf and fishing, often taking his kids to nearby lakes to pass down an experience he once shared with his own father. He was forever appreciative that the Cubs finally got around to winning a World Series in his lifetime.

Michael moved to Arizona with his parents in the mid 70’s. He was an avid fiction reader and enjoyed Tom Petty and AC/DC. Though naturally a hard worker, he never defined himself through his occupation, working in many different fields throughout his life. He married Suzanne King in 1983, with whom he had three children before their divorce in 1989. Michael labored to provide for his family, and when his children came into the world that weight only grew. He would struggle with that for the rest of his life; his darkest times were deeply rooted in the urgency he felt to give all he could to his family.

Father to Melody, Harmony, and Shawn. Michael was driven by the love he felt for his family, for which he felt equal parts pride and humility. He challenged his children to think critically and carefully, championed their efforts, and sought to support them at every opportunity. As a father, he was thoughtful and kind, with a penchant for gift-giving and a willingness to dive into deeper, more complex conversations. Intellectually curious and always open to new ideas, Michael was drawn to learning from his children and hearing their perspectives on the world. He loved to cook with and for his children and grandchildren, his specialties being carrot cake, french toast, and croissant sandwiches. Michael was playful yet pragmatic, willful yet generous and loving, and through his love he ingrained these traits in his children.

Grandfather to Eero, James, and Henry. The passing of his mother and father drained Michael, but becoming a grandfather provided a new zeal for life to which he placed all of his energy. Papa Mike could always be counted on for a trip to the “green park”, and regularly organized “Pancakes with Papa” and shopping trips to pick out new clothes as they grew. He would often surprise the boys with cookies and loved seeking out special toys. He always wanted to help provide for his grandchildren in any way he could.

On the day of his passing, his children, along with their partners and children, his brothers, and several close family members toasted to him in memorial at Pizza Heaven in Phoenix, a special tradition in the family for decades. To lay him to rest, Michael's children and their families traveled together to Lake Havasu to scatter his ashes beneath the London Bridge, joining those of his mother and father.

Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia; his father, Ronald; and his sisters, Linda and Susan. He is survived by his two daughters, Melody and Harmony, and his son, Shawn; his three grandchildren, Eero, James, and Henry; and his two brothers, Rick and Chris.

Michael was a humble man who put others before himself when he could. He would not have wanted the formalities typical of one’s passing, so in lieu of a service his children ask family, friends, and loved ones to consider a donation in his name to the St. Jude's Children Hospital. Michael always loved this organization and had unfulfilled plans to volunteer with them.

More than anything, his children and grandchildren would love to hear your stories about the man they loved and will miss deeply. Please share them with us in the comments on his memorial page.