Robert Wesley Swanson

On September 3, 2024, Robert “Bob” Wesley Swanson took his final cattle drive and peacefully left this world to arrive in the loving arms of Jesus. Always the consummate gentleman and cowboy, with the perfect blend of grit and tenderness, Bob led a life full of hard work, love, and service to others. There are countless family members, friends, and even perfect strangers that are fortunate to have had Bob in their lives.

 Bob was born to Ray and Lottie Swanson on November 16, 1929 at Bannock Memorial Hospital in Pocatello, Idaho. He joined his two older sisters, Dorthy and Gail. He later had a younger sister, Lois, that passed away when she was one. The Great Depression was just beginning in 1929, and it would set the stage for developing a work ethic that would be engrained in Bob for the rest of his life. As a child and young adult, Bob worked and played on the family homestead west of Pocatello. He helped his veterinarian father care for cattle on local farms and ranches. Bob earned his pilot’s license at a young age, and as an early indication of his life full of service to others, he flew across the country at age 15 to help a friend pick up an airplane. Bob graduated from Pocatello High School and attended the University of Idaho in Moscow.

 At U of I, Bob was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity where he formed life-long friendships. Bob was also a member of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) during his time in Moscow. On June 4, 1951, he graduated with a degree in Agricultural and Animal Husbandry, and departed Moscow back to Pocatello to help work on the family farm.

One fine and memorable day back in Pocatello, Bob met a young St. Luke’s nursing graduate that would end up being by his side for the next 72 years. Bob and Shannon Frost were married November 30, 1952. Over the following years, Bob and Shannon would navigate time together and apart as Bob served his country in the Army. He served as a mechanic during the Korean war and was stationed everywhere from Kentucky to Georgia to Guam. They also started their family during this time. They would welcome five children to their family over a 12-year period - Karen, Bonnie, Mark, Ted, and Ron.

 In 1960, Bob and Shannon moved their family to the Michaud Creek Ranch where they would spend decades raising their children, cattle, and dry farm wheat. The ranch served as the backdrop for an infinite number of memories as their kids grew up, started families of their own, and always returned to the ranch for family celebrations, reunions, or just to sit and enjoy a glass of iced tea on the porch. While the ranch was a place of work – hard work – it was also a place for family, a place of love . . . a place of grit and of tenderness. Bob was 100% in his element at the ranch.

Bob loved being a University of Idaho Vandal, but he also loved being an Idaho State University Booster and attending Bengal football games on campus where Swanson Hall was named for his grandfather, Theodore Swanson. He also served on the school board for American Falls and as president for the Cattlemen’s Association. More than anything, Bob loved to be on his horse driving cattle each year from the summer grazing land near Soda Springs back up to Michaud Creek Ranch for the winter. 

Although the ranch way of life was never far from his mind and heart, Bob and Shannon eventually left the ranch and moved into town. If there is such a thing as retirement for a rancher, Bob and Shannon spent theirs taking their trailer to California and Arizona where they could golf the winters away. Bob also picked up snow skiing later in life, always putting it off during his working years for fear of getting injured and not being able to run the ranch. As the demands of the ranch eased, Bob also was part of Bible study groups with Pastor Steve Yadon and was also baptized during this period of his life. 

All the way up to his final days, Bob was a man that you could sense his strength and experience his whit, charm, and kindness. He gave handshakes like only a cowboy can, and he gave hugs like only a husband, father, and grandpa can.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Lottie Swanson, and his sisters Dorthy Elton, Gail Dubberstein, and Lois Swanson.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of nearly 72 years, Shannon Swanson; his five children Karen (Randy) DeBoard, Bonnie (Tim) Brulotte, Mark (Monet) Swanson, Ted Swanson, and Ron (Debi) Swanson. He is also survived by twelve grandchildren, twenty-two greatgrandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and countless others that had the good fortune of knowing him. 

The family would like to thank Quail Ridge Assisted Living, The Gables Memory Care, and Enhabit Hospice for all of their care and support. 

A celebration of a life well-lived will be held Tuesday, September 24, 2024 Wilks Funeral Home with a viewing from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM and a service at 2:00 PM. Following the service at the funeral home, there will be a graveside service at 3:30 PM at Mountain View Cemetery. 

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