Lawrence W. Swires

Lawrence W. Swires, 82, of Cottonwood, died March 17, 2023. Born near Springfield, IL, he first arrived in the Verde Valley in 1944* then lived in and around AZ, CA and OR for most of his life, returning to stay in 2018. Before retirement, he was most recently involved in property management and in his younger days built many successful businesses. * The family arrived by car, moving west looking for a dryer climate as Larry suffered from rheumatic fever. Stopping on a wide spot coming down Schnebly Hill, they camped where they were until two weeks later when a lady came to them and said they had to move on as they were “in the middle of the highway”. They settled in Yuma, where Larry attended elementary school at an (almost) all Indian school. Later, the family moved to San Diego, where he graduated from Hoover High school. Shortly after graduation, he started his first business as a garbage collector. This was bought out by Waste Management. He later started a coastal cleanup business (also bought out by WM) and other related businesses in CA, OR and AZ. His parents were active in the Salvation Army, and in high school he was a drummer for their San Diego band, even marching in the Rose Parade with them. One year he marched early in that parade for the Salvation Army, was transported back to the end of the parade and joined another local San Diego band to march it again. He was knowledgeable about, and at various times, active in Judaism, the Church of Latter Day Saints, and Catholicism. He learned about the Baha’i Faith and was an active member for his last 29 years. Of all the principles, he especially held dear the elimination of prejudices, and that all humanity was one. Very sociable, he could get a stranger’s life story in about 10 minutes. If he knew your birthday, he’d phone to wish you well. He described himself as the “old man of the desert”, and dreamed of returning to the Apache Chief mine near Quartzsite, a claim his family held in the 1960’s. His hobby was carving and decorating walking sticks – his beautiful, knobby and lightweight eucalyptus one always attracted attention. He was quite the storyteller, elaborating on the basic truths of an experience to engage and amuse the listeners. My version of our meeting and courtship is relatively short and sweet. His bordered on the risqué, guaranteed to get a rise out of me and laughter from whoever is listening. As he slowed, he enjoyed reading [Westerns by Tony Hillerman and Zane Grey, the “No.1 Ladies Detective Agency” series by Alexander McCall Smith, and “Cat Who…” mysteries by Lillian Jackson Braun], doing word search puzzles, and feeding and watching birds on the deck. He took great joy in interacting with his grandchildren, even if only over Skype. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Leatha (Moyer) Swires and sister, Judy Hoog of Deer Park, WA. He is survived by his wife, D. Elizabeth Hendrix; daughter, Sandy Stack of Gilbert AZ, step-son Vaughn (Deepa) Vogel of Fulton MD, Step-daughters Genny (Justin) Wilson of Valencia CA and Valeska Fleming (David Jennings) of Burntwood, UK, nephew Corey Hoog of Deer Park WA, 6 grand and step-grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. Graveside services held Thursday, 3/21/2023 with memorial after at Westcott Funeral Home.