Dick Swinnerton

John Richard Swinnerton, "Dick" age 84, of Bend, died peacefully at home on July 27th with his wife of 59 years by his side. Dick was born on February 26, 1935 in Zanesville, Ohio, and grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland. After graduating from the University of Maryland in 1959 with a degree in civil engineering, he married Mary Anna Pritchett. The newlyweds immediately headed west to Prineville, Oregon, to the snow-capped mountains where Dick had spent his college summers working with the US Forest Service. He loved working in the woods and his career took the family to Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, and Virginia. In 1975 he became part of the topographic mapping program of the US Geological Survey in Reston, Virginia and from 1977-1994 Dick led the Western Mapping Center of the US Geological Survey in Menlo Park, California. With a love of the natural world, he enjoyed hiking, snowshoeing, photography, and bicycling. Celebrating retirement in 1994, Dick and two friends enjoyed the adventure of a lifetime as they rode bicycles from Astoria, Oregon to Boston (75 days and 3500 miles). His wife Mary Anna facilitated the dream trip as she drove the support van across the country. The experience inspired him to recount the ride and historical significance of locations along the route in his book, "We Passed This Way". After finishing the book, Dick and Mary Anna drove the bike route in reverse from Massachusetts to Oregon, reconnecting with friends they made along the way and sharing their journey at local book signings. In 1999, the couple returned to central Oregon where their married life had begun. Dick volunteered for 12 years at the High Desert Museum leading tours and lecturing about Lewis & Clark, the fur trade, and the Oregon Trail. He especially enjoyed playing Jacob McCully in living history exhibits, where he incorporated stories from his research and family history. Dick was an active member of First Presbyterian Church where he served in a variety of ways. Although Parkinsons disease slowed his body and mind, Dicks kind and loving spirit was ever present. His smile and kind eyes warmed hearts and connected people. Dicks children share his love for the great outdoors and their families enjoyed regular visits to Bend. The week before his death, a doctor asked where his favorite place to live was, and Dick answered without hesitation, "Bend." He loved this place, his family, and his church. Dick is survived by his wife Mary Anna, four children Mike (Patti), Matt (Cindy), Bob, Juli Lorton (Christopher), grandchildren Shane, Katie, Andy, Mari Craddock (Patrick), Jonathan Lorton, Benjamin Lorton, great-grandchildren Eleanor Craddock, Ben Craddock, and brother, Jerry (Betty). Funeral Home: Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home 105 NW Irving Ave Bend, OR US 97701

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Dick Swinnerton

February 26, 1935 - July 27, 2019