Mitchell Ernest Swanson

Mitchell was born in Durango, Colorado on February 13, 1968 to Mitchell John and Cynthia Sweitzer-Swanson. Siblings are Catherine Shawhan of Bloomfield, NM; Shawna Grey of Bloomfield, NM and Carolyn Grey of Sammamish, WA.

His wife of 21 years is Ida May Swanson. He had 3 children; Trystyn Juanita Swanson, of the family home; Elizabeth Marie Winters, of San Diego, California and Mitchell John Swanson of Wasilla, Alaska.

He was preceded in death by his father, Mitchell John Swanson; step-dad, Michael Grey; grandfather, Oscar Mitchell Swanson; grandmothers, Wahaneta Swanson and Mary Sweitzer; nephew, Thomas Shawhan

Mitchell grew up in Farmington where he graduated High School in 1986, entering the Marine Corps immediately following graduation. He was stationed in San Diego, California with the 3/1 Kilo Company. He did overseas tours in the Philippines, Taiwan, Kuwait, and Australia as a demolition specialist where in his own words “blew stuff up”. He settled back in Farmington in the 1990’s where he met and fell in love with his wife, Ida. They had 21 wonderful years together. They were married June 6, 1998 in Bloomfield with Royce Dewey officiating. Mitchell was a die-hard fan of the Denver Broncos. Despite everyone trying to talk him out of it. He also loved coaching the youth if San Juan County, He spent 8 years coaching YAFL, he also helped coach the Four Corners Semi-Pro teams for 3 years. Mitchell was active in his daughter Trystyn’s 4H club, FFA chapter, and loved farm life and the annual county fair. Mitchell loved all genres of music, but his favorite all time singer was Patsy Cline. He loved to go dancing and that was how he met his future through a mutual friend. They spent most of their courtship dancing and watching football. He worked at Dependable Maytag in Farmington for 5 years.

Mitchell is survived by his wife, Ida; daughter Trystyn of the family home; grown children, Elizabeth and Mitchell; mother, Cynthia; grandfather, Ben Sweitzer; 3 sisters; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and his wife’s family whom he loved dearly.

Through his own great generosity, Mitchell has donated his body to the University of New Mexico to help find a cure for cancer. Following these procedures he will be cremated.

A memorial service with Military Honors will take place at Pinon Hills Church in Farmington, NM on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. Reception that has generously been donated by the VFW Post 2182 of Farmington, and the 4H Clubs of San Juan County will be at Pinon Hills Church immediately following the services.