Ray was born April 29, 1956, in Grangeville, Idaho. Ray graduated from Troy High School, Troy,
Idaho and entered the US Army where he attained the rank of Sergeant in the Military Police
Corps. Upon discharge from the military, he worked for many years in the local lumber mill, until
returning to his initial calling in law enforcement, first for the Potlatch Police Department, and
then the Benewah County Sheriff's Department, St. Maries, Idaho where he attained the rank of
patrol sergeant and was the first DARE officer for the county where he presented the program to
the schools within the county and the Coeur d'Alene Indian Reservation. Ray was employed by
the Boundary County Sheriff's Office, Bonners Ferry, Idaho prior to his wife taking a federal job
in Alaska. Over the next several years, Ray worked in law enforcement and corporate security
as they relocated several times across the country with each of his wife's reassignments,
eventually settling in Brunswick. Ray enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and shooting.
Ray is survived by his wife of 33 years Chalene Chang, currently of Brunswick; parents A.
Edward and Gladys Swanson of Washington; sisters Lorraine Cook (Swanson) of Washington,
Marilyn Taylor (Swanson) of Idaho, Collen Shmidt (Swanson) of Arizona, and Gail Edwards
(Swanson) of Washington; children Ranee Lawhon (Swanson) of Oregon, Nick Swanson of
Idaho, and Joe Swanson of Idaho; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren,
nieces, and nephews.
Visitation begins at 4:30pm on Friday, July 19th , at Chapman's Funeral Chapel, with service
beginning at 5pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Chapman Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.