Darwin Swift

Darwin Swift, age 91 of Lacey, passed away Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at Stoneridge Adult Foster Care Home in Bellevue.

Darwin was born February 22, 1923 in Maple Grove Township, Michigan, the son of Aubrey and Inez (Ford) Swift. He attended Hastings High School where he graduated in 1941. Darwin married Marian (Stevens) Swift November 9, 1954. He farmed and owned Swift Bros. Hardware with his brother Ralph. He also worked as a mechanic at the Hastings High School bus garage until his retirement in 1985.

Darwin enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading, playing and watching sports. Darwin's interest in sports began at an early age where his dedication led him to walk 11 miles one way from Hastings to Dowling for practice and games. He played baseball, football and basketball. Darwin would later play baseball for the Michigan Carton's of Battle Creek where he was paid $0.68/hr. Darwin was later recruited to play pitcher and first-base for the Cleveland Indians farm team. Darwin and Marian ventured on many hunting trips to Lake Gogebic in northern Michigan.

Darwin was preceded in death by his father, Aubrey Swift, mother, Inez (Ford) Swift, former spouse, Marjorie (Boyes) Swift, daughter, Peggy (Swift) Willison, and several brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his wife Marian (Stevens) Swift of Lacey, step-son, Steven (Carla) Pocernik of Grandville, granddaughters, Darcy (Jim) Christy of Coldwater, Sara (Dr. Miguel Iturregui) of Los Alamos, NM and Colleen (Luke) Payne of Rockford., great- grandsons: Andres' Iturregui and Nolan Payne, sister, Juanita Yarger of Freeport and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Stoneridge Adult Foster Care at 4825 Fruin Rd. Bellevue, MI 49021 or the Barry Community Hospice 450 Meadow Run Drive, Hastings, MI 49058.

Respecting Darwin's wishes, cremation has taken place.