Gene Swiftney

A man who loved and honored his country, Gene Swiftney lived life to the fullest while filling his days with the people and things he loved. He was mechanically minded and a well respected mechanic within the community he called home throughout his entire life. It was during his sunset years that he discovered and embraced the Christian faith that became his strength during the final days of his lifes journey. Gene will be deeply missed and warmly remembered by his family and friends. Although the 1930s were a dark time in our nations history as the entire decade was cloaked in the Great Depression, things were looking a bit better by the year 1937 since by that time the unemployment rate was on the decline. This was also the year that Walt Disney became known with the release of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Amelia Earhart mysteriously disappeared during a flight over the Pacific Ocean, and the Golden Gate Bridge opened in San Francisco. This same year was filled with unspeakable joy for a young couple from Ferrysburg, Michigan, as they announced the birth of their baby boy on April 12th. Gene Russel was the youngest of four children born to his parents, Gerritt and Johanna (Erichs) Swiftney, and he was raised in the family home alongside his sisters, Wilene and Laura, as well as his brother, Richard. There was quite an age gap between he and his siblings as his next closest sibling was 12 years his senior. In many ways Gene experienced an upbringing that was fairly common for young people of his generation. His father worked at Sealed Power to support their family while his mother focused her attention at home. Like many young boys, Gene could often be found outside playing sports with the other neighborhood boys, and he developed a fascination with motors early in life. He also fell in love with all things fast as he raced motorboats and also drove a stock car at local race tracks in his teens. Gene attended Ferrysburg Schools, and while in high school he took his love for motors to a new level when he began working part-time as a mechanic at Nash Auto Repair. He left school before graduating to begin working full-time at Nash. Not to be forgotten during his years in high school was Genes introduction to the young girl who stole his heart. Her name was Charyl Tiggelman, and she was working as a car-hop at the A Restaurant in Ferrysburg. Gene was 16 at the time while she was just 13. They eventually started dating and over time fell deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Gene and Charyl were married on October 25, 1958, at Trinity Reformed Church in Grand Haven. The newlyweds settled into married life in Ferrysburg. Their relationship soon became a long distance one when Gene got drafted into the United States Army, serving from 1960 through much of 1962. He was stationed in Germany where he worked as a cook, and while he was gone Charyl remained back in the states. Together they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Yvonne, in 1962 after Gene returned from overseas. With the birth of their daughter, Roxanne, in 1964, their family of four was complete. As a family they enjoyed camping, often up North on the Pere Marquette River. They also loved having fun during the winters on their snowmobiles. Gene spent his entire career working as a mechanic. For a time he worked at Miller Chevrolet, and he later worked for Betten Auto. Gene was an excellent mechanic who was well known in the area as it was not uncommon for customers to request that he was the only one to work on their car. He retired in 1999. In his time away from work Gene enjoyed pursuing his interests. Although he was content just to be on his own at times, he was also an active member of the VFW in Grand Haven. Gene was a regular there and loved hanging out with his buddies, and for a time he also served on the board. He had an appreciation of the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing. For a time Gene even had his own boat that he took out on Lake Michigan in search of big salmon. He looked forward to pheasant hunting with his buddies, too. At home Gene enjoyed relaxing while watching television with westerns and war stories being among his favorites. He was a card playing enthusiast who especially loved playing euchre and cribbage. When playing with Gene, one never expected him to go easy as when he played, he played to win! Although he was not overly active with his daughters or his grandchildren, Gene grew a bit soft around the edges with age and completely adored his great-grandchildren. He loved being with them whenever he could and made a point of attending their activities and events. As the years went by Gene had various health issues to contend with concerning his lungs. He also battled esophogeal cancer. Over the past few years of his life Gene had been attending Life Church in Grand Haven. It was a day to remember on August 30, 2013, when he gave his life to Christ and was baptized by his daughter, Yvonne. Over time his body became weaker, and his cancer also began spreading. It eventually became too much for him to overcome, and he drew his last breath in his home surrounded by his loving family. With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around him, Gene Swiftney created a priceless collection of memories that his friends and loved ones will forever cherish. He knew what it meant to work hard, yet he also took the time to enjoy life along the way. Whether he was out hunting with his friends, relaxing in front of a good movie, or watching a great-grandchild perform, Gene was content in to be in the moment. He will never be forgotten. Gene Swiftney died on March 28, 2014. Gene is survived by his wife, Charyl; daughters Yvonne Vonnie (Gary) Mayse of Fruitport, Roxanne Rocky (Ralph) Holmes of Coopersville; grandchildren, Kacie (Joe) Bylsma, Daniel Mayse, Brandon (Emily) Holmes, Kaitlyn (Josh Barrett) Holmes; great-grandchildren, Lizzie, Addison, Violet, Keagan, Isaac, Logan and Oliver; Sister Laura Spangler. Funeral services for Gene will take place at the Clock Chapel Grand Haven, 16777 Lincoln, on Saturday, April 5, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. with visitation for two hours prior to the service from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Memorials to Hospice of North Ottawa Community. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.