Obituary for Bill Swank

Condolence From: Donald Larson, Columbus, OH
Condolence: Dear Helen and family,
We are very sad to learn of the passing of Bill. As a faculty member in agricultural economics, I always appreciated the many contributions of Bill to further my understanding of Ohio and national agricultural issues. More recently I enjoyed his presence, the conversations and his humorous stories at the AEDE faculty retiree lunches held monthly at the Kingsdale shopping center. We extend our sympathies to you and your family. May he rest in peace. Don and Karen Larson

Condolence From: Dan Heinlen, Lewis Center, Ohio
Condolence: Dear Helen and family…
Bill was an exemplary leader and friend. He performed above and beyond the call and as chairman of the board for the Ohio State University Alumni Association, he provided extraordinary leadership. He was balanced with wisdom and humor, being in his presence was a wonderful opportunity to learn and enjoy the productivity he generated.
You are in our prayers as are the great memories he provided.

Condolence From: Amy Chivington, Lewis Center, OH
Condolence: Dear Swank family and Helen,

As a young couple, we sang with your dad at Chruch of the Messiah where Helen directed the choir. It was fun and we loved the opportunity!

Dear Helen, how I treasure your friendship. You have been an inspiration to so many, including me. My prayers are with you as you mourn Bill.

Sincerely,
Amy Chivington

Condolence From: Larry Libby, Lamoine, Maine
Condolence: I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I talked with Bill frequently when I was the first holder of the Swank Chair in Rural-Urban Policy at Ohio State from 1997 to 2005. He had a genuine commitment to the land grant idea that the many insights of university science and education should be brought to bear on the problems that people in Ohio care about. He gave generously of his time and resources to that end. His knowledge of Ohio agriculture was unmatched and he was particularly concerned about how the pressures of land use change affected farm viability. Ohio has lost a great leader.
Helen, please accept our sincere condolences.

Larry and Lois Libby

Condolence From: Jan Mayville, Westerville, Ohio
Condolence: Prayers for all of you. The last time I saw him he gave me a big dad hug❤️ I so cherish all the memories growing up around all of you

Condolence From: Eileen Davis, Columbus, Ohio
Condolence: My sincere condolences to Helen and family for the loss of this wonderful man. Bill always brightened my life when I was around him and I looked forward to his latest joke, that being just a few weeks ago at our get-together dinner. Even then, when he was obviously struggling physically, his mind and spirit were top notch, even laughing at his own jokes! Bill, our love and gratitude to you for all you have given us. Heaven needs you now.

Condolence From: Karen Peeler, Columbus, OH
Condolence: Dear Helen and Family,
Deni and I send you our love and warmest thoughts as you reflect on the the beautiful life of Bill, and mourn his passing. To anyone who knew him, he was an icon representing excellence as a scholar, civic leader, and wonderful human being. You and he have been a great pair, Helen, doing so much for so many people. You remind us of what life is meant to be--well-lived, well-loved, and having made a positive difference to all you knew. We will be there Saturday to celebrate his wonderful life.

Karen Peeler