Philip B. Swanson, 67, died peacefully Wednesday evening, July 17 .
Swanson was born on April 13, 1952 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the son of Swan and Carola (Vitarius) Swanson.
Swanson attended and graduated from Johnson State College, in Johnson. It was here that he fell in love with the state, made friends that would last throughout his life, and set his life-long career path in motion. During his undergraduate program, Swanson served an internship with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns, and decided then to pursue a career in local government. After graduating from Johnson, Swanson obtained his Master’s degree from the University of Maine, Orono, and there met and fell in love with Victoria Sutcliffe while canoeing on the Penobscot River on a beautiful autumn day.
Together Swanson and Victoria started a family, and Swanson worked as town manager for Corinna, Maine – also serving on the volunteer fire department. In 1985 Swanson and his family moved to Woodstock, where Swanson began his 34-year career as Woodstock town and village manager. Swanson was an active and dedicated member of the Woodstock community. He proudly served on the volunteer fire department, taught kids to ski with the Woodstock Ski Runners, was a passionate and evangelical member of the Woodstock Curling Club, and served and volunteered with Woodstock Rotary. His laughter and presence will be missed by many.
In addition to his local contributions, Swanson selflessly volunteered with the Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team and deployed to NYC in the aftermath of Sept. 11 to provide logistical assistance.
Swanson loved his family and will forever remain very deeply loved by them. Swanson is predeceased by his parents Swan and Carola, and his granddaughter Winter. Swanson is survived by his wife Victoria, sons Joe and Ben, his daughter Anne, two granddaughters, and four sisters Vivian, Andrea, Beverly and Carolyn.
A celebration of Swanson’s life will take place at the Universalist Chapel in Woodstock on Sunday July 28 beginning at 3 p.m. Burial will be held privately.
Donations may be given to the Woodstock Rotary Club, P.O. Box 581, Woodstock, Vermont 05091. These monies will be used to give back to the community which Swanson so dearly loved.Arrangements are under the direction of the Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock, Vermont. An online guest book can be found at cabotfh.com
