Ivan Lee Swigert

Beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Ivan Lee Swigert left us after a brief illness on Wednesday March 16, 2016 at the age of 84. He was born in 1931 on a farm in Iowa, the youngest of five children and only son. He married his high school sweetheart (Mary Swigert) in 1952 before deploying to Korea with the 7th Infantry Division where he was involved in both battles at Pork Chop Hill. Upon his safe return home after the armistice he started a family and eventually moved to Albuquerque in 1959 to work as an engineer at KOB TV. He went on to retire from US West after more than 25 years as a design and systems engineer specializing in high-speed communications. Despite working multiple jobs, Lee always found time for his family and was a Boy Scout leader for his two sons. He was greatly admired by all who knew him for his patience, understanding and calm steadiness even during times of turmoil. Although he suffered with severe rheumatoid arthritis for more than 40 years he never complained or asked for help and was determined to live a full and active life in spite of his disability. His highest priorities in life were always his family, his friends and his God and he never refused help to anyone in need. His love of life was manifested in his passion for gardening. Only days before his sudden illness, he had received the seeds for the vegetable garden that he had planned for this summer. His devotion to his church, his family and his friends will never be forgotten by any that were privileged to have known him. We will all miss his ready smile. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Swigert, sons, Robert Lee and Richard Lyle Swigert, daughter, Melinda Brown (DeWayne) and grandchildren Melanie, Garrett, Wade, Amanda and Trace as well as two sisters Eileen and Norma Jean.
A Memorial service will be on Monday, April 4, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church following his interment at Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lee's name to Asbury United Methodist church.



FRENCH - Wyoming
7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE
(505) 823-9400