Thomas Harold Swanson, 83

Thomas H. (Tom) Swanson passed away Dec. 20, 2011, in Post Falls at Life Care Center. He was born in Kane, Pa., Aug. 12, 1928, to Leo C. and Mildred (Christenson) Swanson. He grew in Kane and also received his education there. He served in the National Guard during the Korean War, where he was stationed in Germany before being discharged.

He worked in Kane at the gas company and spent time in Buffalo, N.Y. In 1952 he started his telephone career at GTE in Erie, Pa., as a lineman. He married Marilyn J. Hunter on March 19, 1954, in Erie. He worked for Eckerd's Drug Store as Assistant Manager. From there he moved to San Bernardino where he went back to the phone company. Staying with the phone company he contracted off and on for several years and ended up in Coeur d'Alene. He was an engineer with Verizon until he retired in 1986. After he retired he spent time in CT and South Carolina. He loved reading, gardening and golfing. He also served as a booster member for North Idaho College Booster Club.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, in Post Falls; his children, Sandy and Doug Callen of Filer, Brad and Beth Swanson of New London, N.H., and Sheri and Chuck Knapp of Post Falls; sister Marge Sanders of Okmulgee, Okla.; and brother Gene and Carol Swanson of Paso Robles, Calif.; numerous nieces and nephews; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Mildred Swanson; son Brian Swanson and sisters Fern Danielson and Helen Huckabone.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to the American Heart Association, 140 S. Arthur, Suite 610, Spokane, WA 99202.

Memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 30, 2011, at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel. Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel, is entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Tom's online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.