Robert W. Swanson ’58

Bob died June 4, 2016, at his home in Oxford, Ohio, following a brief illness.

Bob came to Princeton from the Harvard School in Chicago. During his freshman year, he roomed with Bruce Handler, a fellow Harvard School alumnus, and Dick Johnson. Little is known of Bob’s activities while he was with us other than he joined Quadrangle Club. He left Princeton and received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Beloit College (Wisconsin) in 1959.

Bob attended Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago, earning his degree in 1963. He completed his neurosurgical training at Chicago Wesley Memorial Hospital (now Northwestern Memorial) in 1969. In 1972, he moved to Appleton, Wis., where he entered private neurosurgical practice.

Bob enjoyed sailing and woodworking, his two hobbies converging in the 1970s when he constructed a 27-foot Thunderbird sailboat.

He was deeply involved in the Appleton community, serving as an alderman on the Appleton common council from 1978 to 1988.

Bruce Handler reflected on his former roommate: “Bob was a steady-state individual, conservative in all things, properly cautious in viewing the world, its people, and its challenges. His common sense and core values reflected those of his family culture of striving and service.”

Bob is survived by Ginny, his wife of 56 years; his children, Karin, David, Sarah, and Becky; and his seven grandchildren. The class extends its condolences to them.