Obituary of Dale Swanson

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday April 14, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the Gridley Biggs Cemetery for Walter ‘Dale’ Swanson, 90 of Gridley. He passed away on January 21, 2021 in Chico. Dale was born on October 2, 1930 in Turlock, California, 1 of 4 children born to Victor and Bonnie Swanson. He was raised in Woodland, and Portola, where he graduated. He then attended college at Chico State. He served in the U. S. Air Force, stationed at George AFB in Victorville, CA. After his military service he went into business with his brother-in-law, Brud Soares, owning and operating New Look Cleaners and Continental Athletic Supply. He enjoyed racing motorcycles as an enduro racer, winning multiple trophies and awards. He belonged to the Polka Dots Motorcycle Club. He loved the desert as a rock hound. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and hiking. He and Judy hiked Half Dome twice, he was extremely proud of that accomplishment. He loved dogs, and was especially fond of the Giant Schnauzer breed. He was called the dog whisperer by his family. His last dog Stella was his steady companion. He was preceded in death by his parents, and son Rodney Swanson. Dale is survived by his wife of 30 years, Judy Swanson of Gridley, his son Michael Swanson of North Carolina, step-daughter Kelly (Phillip) Hernandez of Chico, step-son Timothy (Stephanie) Evans of Oroville, daughter-in-law Debbie Swanson of Gridley, 2 brothers William (Yolanda) Swanson of Vacaville, Derrold (Doris) Swanson of Los Angeles, sister Joan (Bryce) Dethlefs of Boise, Idaho, 15 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Dale was loved and will be greatly missed by his wife Judy, his family and his friends. He had many friends who enjoyed and loved him. Arrangements entrusted to Gridley-Block Funeral Chapel, 530-846-2138.