Raymond J. Swinton, “Pat”, died peacefully at the age of 99 at his home surrounded by family on December 3, 2021. He was born March 26, 1922 in Bridport, Vt. He was the son of William Archie Swinton and Elizabeth McCray Swinton.
Pat graduated from Middlebury High School, Class of 1940. Following a few years after graduation he enlisted in the Army AirCorp serving during WWII in the Pacific Arena specially the Philippines. His primary duty was as an airplane mechanic. After the war he married Helen Barrows settling in Vergennes .
Pat was a dedicated husband, loving father, and “Pa” was a proud grandfather and great grandfather. He had simple values that carried him through his life.
Pat worked at Simmons Precision, a defense plant in Vergennes, for most of his career retiring in 1985. The various positions he held were inspector, leadman, soldering teacher, and working on all the numerous space programs from the Saturn Project up to the Space Shuttle. Pat was a lifelong member of the Vergennes American Legion, Post 14, since leaving the military in 1945. In the 1960’s a group of WWII veterans including Pat worked diligently to establish a strong Legion organizing bingos, dinners, and dances to make it a financially solid club. Serving as Commander he continued the endeavor. Later on he was an active member of a group who envisioned a community pool. Once again his vision was successful and the community got the Sam Fishman Pool
Early in his marriage Pat and Helen started a bait and tackle shop. His evenings were often spent making fishing lures called the “Grabber”. This hobby continued even after he retired the business.
He loved to read and do crossword puzzles along with stamp and coin collecting which he had done since a small child.
In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his wife, Helen, his brothers, Waldo Swinton and Lyndon(Mike) Swinton. He leaves his 3 daughters, Kitty Muzzy (Lou) of Vergennes, Constance Swinton (Richard) of Vergennes, and Jayne Saltus (Tom), 5 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren.
As a family we wish to thank all those special caregivers and doctors who cared for our father.
There will be a graveside service in the spring. Those who wish to remember Pat in a special way may make donations to the Vt. Veterans’ Home , 325 North St. Bennington, Vt 05201 or Addison County Home Health, 254 Ethan Allen Hyw, New Haven, Vt. 05472.
To send online condolences to his family please visit www.brownmcclayfuneralhomes.com
I am so sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. What a great life he lived. He will be missed by so many people.
To the Swinton Family, Please accept my deepest condolences on passing of your dad and grandpa. I met him when I was a boy with my father, he was a very pleasant man and my father thought the world of him. They worked together at Benton’s. He always talked about Pat Swinton. May he Rest in Peace.
My deepest condenses to all of his family. I am very honored to have known and loved such a sweet and caring neighbor. He was a really great friend. We really enjoyed each others company and I will never forget all the fun memories that I had with him.