Richard S. "Dick" Swift

Richard "Dick" Spencer Swift, 84, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, passed away on Sunday, September 19th, at his La Crosse home with his wife, Frances, of 53 years, and their beloved dog, Tootsie, at his side.

Dick was born on October 24, 1936 in Winona, Minnesota, to Henry and Dolores (Schultz) Swift. He enjoyed an idyllic childhood in Winona and finished his school years in Freeport, Illinois. He graduated from the University of Arizona in Tucson and served in the United States Army during peacetime. Dick then spent two years in Peru in the first group of Peace Corps volunteers.

After returning, Dick headed off to New York City to pursue photography, which had been a passion of his since college. In New York, he worked for several publications as a freelance photographer, often taking portraits of artists and celebrities for magazine articles. His personal artistic project was to photograph the street life of New York, always carrying a camera with him as he walked through the city.

On a plane to Chicago, Dick met his wife Fran (Proferes) Swift, who was a flight attendant at the time, and in New York they became the team that they were for 53 years. Dick and Fran lived in various areas of the country, including over a decade in New Canaan, Connecticut, before eventually settling down in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where they have remained for the past 30 years. In La Crosse, Dick started a small business, Rezoom, which published parenting and health information cards.

Dick is survived by his wife, Fran; his daughter Aimee of Northampton, Massachusetts; his son, Henry, his wife Sophie, and their children, Theo, Zeke, and Joseph, of Deerfield, Massachusetts; his brother William Swift of Albuquerque, New Mexico; his sister, Susan Maves, of Prescott, Arizona; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Dolores Swift; his parents-in-law, Theodore and Mary Proferes; and his brother-in-law George Proferes.

It was his family--his wife, children, grandchildren, and his dog Tootsie--that were central to his life. Dick enjoyed life immensely and loved to laugh. He was always ready with his quick wit to make others laugh as well. An inveterate optimist, Dick was a natural entrepreneur who saw potential in every new idea. Dick was passionate about music, art, science, and life in general. He loved the birds and squirrels that he watched from his office window.

He will be missed in the neighborhood taking his daily walks with dog Tootsie. He will be dearly missed by his family, who loved him.

The family also extends a huge "thank you!" to our very dear friends who helped and supported us through this time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Coulee Region Humane Society or The Parenting Place in Dick's memory. A memorial will be held at a later date.