Serving in the Army
From the beach at Port Gardner Bay to the beach at Normandy - Swanson served in the Army during World War II, and was on Normandy beach under General Patton’s command. After an honorable discharge in January 1946, Swanson returned to his life in Everett and his beloved Grand Avenue Park.
Gentlemen of Grand Avenue
In 1984 he was featured by The Herald newspaper among the Gentlemen of Grand Avenue, a group of men who met daily at the park to talk about their lives, politics and current events.
Dedication of the Bench
As Swanson and his wife, Harriet, prepared to move into the Warm Beach Senior Community in September 2008, their 4 children decided to commemorate their father's long relationship with Grand Avenue Park by donating a bench. “My Dad has always loved that park,” says Ben Swanson. “Since the park has such a special place in his heart, it only seemed fitting.”
Father and son have rested on the bench together numerous times since its dedication, enjoying the view and reminiscing.