Kenneth F Swanson

KENNETH F. SWANSON, M.D.
Surrounded by close friends, Dr. Kenneth Swanson passed away peacefully on September 6, 2014. He had been ill for two years. Cremation has taken place.
Dr. Swanson was born in Chicago, July 31, 1935. His parents, Carl and Emily Swanson, preceded him in death. His only sibling, Carl, also preceded him in death.
In 1966, Dr. Swanson was commissioned as a captain in the U.S. Army and served through 1968 in a Thailand based M.A.S.H. Unit. In 1964, he completed his radiology residency at Akron General Medical Center and then joined the Radiology Department of Akron Children's Hospital where he was a well-respected radiologist until his retirement in 2010. He was on numerous committees at the hospital, including the library committee, and was instrumental in selecting medical books for the educational enhancement of residents, students, and other professionals. He was known for his love of teaching. His education and his vast knowledge made him an invaluable resource for many of his colleagues. In 2005, his leadership, loyalty, and dedicated service earned him the hospital's Distinguished Service Award. He was nominated by his peers for that prestigious honor. Dr. Swanson was a member of the American Medical Association and the Summit County Medical Society. He co-authored numerous medical publications and was highly respected as an expert witness.
Dr. Swanson loved medicine but his second love was great music. When the Blossom Music Center opened in 1968, he volunteered his services as house physician, remaining in that position for 18 seasons. As their physician, he accompanied the Cleveland Orchestra on several international tours including a 1975 tour to Europe, Central America, and South America. In 1982, he toured with the orchestra to South America, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific. Dr. Swanson loved live performance, including orchestral music, virtuoso solo performers and world-class organists. His favorite solo performers included British organist, Peter Hurford, and the late Margaret Baxtresser. Among his favorite musical organizations were the Cleveland Orchestra, The Tuesday Musical Association, and the Akron Symphony Orchestra. He generously supported those and other musical organizations, including Kent State University, and the Holy Trinity Lutheran (Akron) Organ Recital Series. He loved to listen to the creations of the great composers, especially Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. In 2010, The Tuesday Musical Association bestowed on him The Cynthia Knight Patron Award.
Dr. Swanson will forever be remembered for his generosity and his good heart in helping those in need. He leaves in mourning, his respected colleagues, dearest friends, and special caregivers.
A Memorial Service will take place THURSDAY, SEPT. 25TH, 6 PM at AKRON'S Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 50 N. Prospect St, Akron, Pastor David Nevergall officiating. Donations honoring his memory may be made to Akron Children's Hospital, The Cleveland Orchestra, The Tuesday Musical Association, or The Akron Symphony Orchestra. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)