Edgar Paul Swinney

1935 – 2024

Edgar Paul Swinney, 89, of Portland, Oregon, passed away peacefully at home on February 1st, 2024 after a long and valiant 20 year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Ed is survived by his wife of 50 years, Joan Swinney; his children, Michele and Ken Cook, Michael Swinney and Megan Huston, Joy and Jim Broadhurst, and Scott Swinney; by his eight grandchildren, Sidney Swinney, Katie Caldwell, Anna Huber, Scott Donovan, Quin Chantry, Mathew Broadhurst, and Amanda Buster; his ten great-grandchildren; and his three siblings Shirley Brown, Larry Swinney, and Jim Swinney. He was preceded by his parents Velda and Paul Swinney; and his siblings Beverly Burns and Doree Marrical.

Ed lived a full and diverse life. Born in Caldwell, Idaho in 1935, he was a boxer and a jockey, he wrangled and trained horses, he was a radio DJ in the late 50s, and was a truck driver for more than 50 years- known by his CB handle Jack of Diamonds.

His passions and hobbies included photography and videography, playing card games, making ice cream for the neighborhood kids, and his favorite, camping and RV’ing with their many friends. Ed and his beloved wife spent over 20 years part-time at Happy Wanderer Resort in Indio CA where they enjoyed participating in many events and activities. Ed was also a proud lifetime member of The Elks.

Ed’s magnetic personality was full of warmth and compassion. His friends were many, and he made them everywhere he went. He truly lived by love and led by example. His kindness, work ethic, and the importance of family were pillars in his life and will leave a lasting impact on all those closest to him.

Edgar Swinney will be greatly missed by family, friends, and even the checker at the grocery store. Parkinson’s was no match for his strength and charm.

For those who would like to donate, his favorite charity is The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. https://give.michaeljfox.org