Victor E. Swanson

Victor E. Swanson, Bird Papa, 87, of Toledo, passed away on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at St. Anne Mercy Hospital. He was born on August 13, 1929 in Royal Oak, MI to Axel and Ellen (Bergstrom) Swanson. Vic proudly served in the US Army as grader operator. He started at Schmidts Meats picking weeds as a young teen, he worked his way into the meat plant and he returned there to work as a delivery driver after serving in the army. He credits the word of mouth recommendations from his boss at Lynns Diner for the start of his career with the Teamsters. He was retired from the Local 20 Teamsters. He was a driver for Henness Trucking. He also was a dock worker for the Interstate and Carolina Docks. He began running at the age of 50 with the Toledo Road Runners. Vic was a member of Aquarius Athletic Club and the Super Fitness Center of Toledo. He enjoyed bowling and was league president at Ottawa Lanes. He was a lover of wildlife, an avid University of Michigan football and Detroit Tigers Fan. Vic played for the Stateline Bull Dogs as a kid, going undefeated for 2 years. Victor did well , especially considering he attended school only thru 6th grade; he always looked to prayers to the Big Guy for his success or to help others. He never made an enemy. Victor is survived by his loving son and caregiver, Scott Swanson; granddaughter, Noelle (Joe) Christ; great-grandchildren, Hannah, Sophia, Wyatt and Matilda; sister, Elaine Sabourin; many nieces and nephews; and Albert the Bird. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Vicki Swanson; grandson, Dustyn Holden; siblings, Lester, Esther, Sylvia, Anna, Robert, Carl and Axel; and Charlie the Bird. Family and friends may gather at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Avenue on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 from 2 until 8 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment with military honors by the Lucas County Burial Corps will follow at Toledo Memorial Park. Tributes in Victors memory may be made to the charity of the donors choice. Remember to give a fist bump and dont forget to smile. Online condolences may be placed at walkerfuneralhomes.com