Richard "Dick" Swanson

Richard “Dick” Swanson, age 87, born in Rockford, Illinois, died May 3, 2000 at Naples Community Hospital in Naples, Florida. Preceded in death by paternal grandparents Gust and Anna (Wernstrom) Swanson; maternal grandparents Herman H. and Ada (Drudge) Metzler; parents Kenneth and Emeline (Metzler) Swanson.
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife Sandra; children--Sheri (Brent) Bartlome, Richard D. Swanson, and Kay Swanson. Grandchildren Jack , Peter, step-grandson Zach and Tiffany. Cousin Linda Marquart.
Dick grew up in Byron, Il. Where he established life-long- friends. He graduated from Byron High School and went on to obtain his undergraduate degree and law degree from the University of Illinois. Dick wrote for the Law Review. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega and Beta Alpha Psi fraternities. Dick married the love of his life, Sandra Scott on July 21, 1962 in Lubbock, Tx. Dick proudly served in the United States Army. He was a 1st Lieutenant and his job in the Army was commander of the Niki Missile Battery--MOS—Surface to air Missiles (NIKI).
Dick joined the Firm of Arthur Andersen in 1959. He qualified and earned a CPA Certificate in the state of Illinois and was also was a member of the American Institute of CPA’s. He became a specialist in the Firm’s Regulated Industries practice and became a partner in the Firm in 1968. Dick’s many years with Arthur Andersen were split between the Chicago and Columbus offices, working with major clients in the public utility and airline industries. In addition to serving as the lead engagement partner on these clients, he also served as an advisory partner on several Arthur Andersen clients involved with other offices in the Midwest Region. In the early years of nuclear powered electric generating stations, Dick became recognized as the top expert in the United States with respect to proper financial accounting and ratemaking polices for nuclear fuel and was recognized as an expert witness in the regulatory arena; and also served as a member of the Firm’s Regulated Industries Steering Committee. He was a sought- after presenter not only at Arthur Andersen utility industry training events but also at industry seminars throughout the country. He wrote a book about the principals of “Nuclear Fuel Accounting”, which is still used today. Dick was a mentor to all who worked with him at Arthur Andersen; his most satisfying event was when one of his co-workers became a partner in the firm.
Dick moved to Columbus in 1976. After his retirement from Arthur Andersen in 1988, he taught accounting at The Ohio State University for ten years. Dick thought the Arts were an important part of our community and he supported them. He has served on the Board of Ballet Met over 35 years, even working during his mandatory year off. He was always part of the finance committee and helped create & mentor the Advocacy Committee. He served as treasurer for many years. For the 30th Anniversary of Ballet Met Dick was recognized as “one of the 30 pearls of Ballet Met for his over 30 years volunteering with the Ballet Met. Dick was a member of the Ohio Citizens of the Arts. He was on the Board of Trustees and served as treasurer for many years. Dick hoped to make a great positive difference for the Arts in Ohio.
He was a member of Worthington Hills Country Club for many years and the Lake Ripley Country Club in Cambridge, Wi. He enjoyed golf and loved our summer home in Wisconsin.
His favorite thing there was taking the boat out on the lake and drift. It was the perfect place to relax for him. Dick enjoyed traveling with his wife. He has been to all 50 states and all 7 continents. He also enjoyed his homes in Columbus, Oh., and Marco Island, Fl. Most of all, Dick loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He rarely missed one of their sporting events. He had a special passion for baseball, and he followed the fates of the Chicago Cubs since he was a little boy. Dick was a small-town boy at heart. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.
He was an active member of the Fishinger and Kenny Church of Christ. He especially enjoyed Bible study and the classes taught by our minister. Private services were held for the family. Burial at Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery in Rockford, Illinois. We will be holding a Memorial Service sometime in Columbus. Because of COVID, we just don’t know when that might be.
Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, or the Fishinger & Kenny Church of Christ.