Linda Swanson's Father

Our condolences to Linda Swanson and her family, in the recent loss of her father.
A remembrance reception will be held in Chattanooga in January.


Swanson, Eric H.
posted December 16, 2011


Eric Swanson
Eric H. Swanson, known to many of his Baylor students as "Doc" Swanson, died two days before Thanksgiving in Chattanooga, just shy of 98 years old.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy in 2004, and his daughter, Betty in 2006.

Born in Jamestown, N.Y., he came to Chattanooga in 1932 to attend the University of Chattanooga, from which he graduated with a B.S. degree in Chemistry in 1936.

During World War II, Mr. Swanson was a member of a group of chemists and chemical engineers recruited by the Manhattan Project to conduct chemical operations essential to the electromagnetic separation of Uranium isotopes in the production of the first nuclear weapons at Oak Ridge.

Following the war, he was retained in an executive capacity to participate in closely related research and development projects.

He returned to Chattanooga in 1949 to manage real estate holdings on Chattanooga's West side and Cameron Hill until those properties were taken for Urban Renewal development and highway construction rights-off-way in the late 1950s.

In 1959, Mr. Swanson became associated as a science teacher with Baylor School, where he remained until his retirement in 1979.

He was a member of Pilgrim Congregational Church where he co-chaired the building committee for the construction of a new church edifice in Glenwood in 1958. He served on various church boards and was Sunday School Superintendent for 10 years. Most recently, he served as Class Convenor for the Adult Discussion Sunday School Class.

In the 1950s Mr. Swanson was chairman of the North River Recreation Association, as well as of the North Chattanooga Community YMCA, both of which were precursors to the expansion of the YMCA north of the River. During these years he was also active as a coach for Knot Hole baseball teams.

He was a member of the Chattanooga Engineers Club, The Chattanooga Half Century Club and The Chattanooga Music Club; he was a past member of the American Chemical Society.

Survivors include his daughter, Linda Swanson and her husband, Peter Carlson, of Larkspur, Ca.; son, Dr. David E. Swanson and his wife Dr. Bonnie Swanson of Anchorage and Seattle; grandchildren, Erik and Chad Lawrence; Douglas and Margaret Moody; Ellie, Octavia, and John Swanson; former sons-in-law, Jay Lawrence and Dr. John D. Gofman; niece, Diane Dillard of Chattanooga; two great-grandchildren and several grandnieces and nephews.

He left many good and loyal friends who were like members of the family.

A memorial reception will be held at Baylor School in the lobby of the Worsham Arena, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 22. Don Klinefelter will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Baylor School or Pilgrim Congregational Church.

Arrangements are by Lane Funeral Home, Ashland Terrace.

Visit www.lanefh.com to share condolences.