It is with profound sadness that I share the passing of Richard Foster Swank, who left us on October 27, 2024 at the age of 77 in Bedford, MA. Rick was a man of immense humor and experience, cherishing every moment possible.

He served his country during the Vietnam conflict as a U.S. Marine Corps officer and developed friendships in the V.A. and more recently, VFW Post 8164. The expertise he gained in the Marines served him well as a private detective and intelligence consultant. A proud Freemason and Shriner, Rick donated his talents as a pilot to fly children with disabilities to Shriners Hospitals around North America.

Rick lived well, laughed often, and loved much. He gained the respect of many and the love of children. He filled his niche and accomplished his task. He never lacked appreciation of Earth’s beauty or failed to express it. He looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.

Rick is survived by his two children, Kymm and Peter Swank, sister Barbara, brother David, their families, extended family, and a world of friends, as he never met a stranger. Rick will be remembered most by an exuberant laugh, astonishing stories, a love of life, and how everyone he met parted with a smile.

Located in section 072; just left of center.

Rick's Bricks at KC Union Station Section 72

Leavenworth National Cemetery

Rick's namesake is permanently aboard NASA's Perseverance Rover, which is exploring and seeking signs of life on the planet Mars.

Military Burial Service Script / Remarks by Peter R. Swank (son):

Thank you all for coming today. We meet to honor the life of Richard Foster Swank. We give thanks for his life and wish him well now that his time in this world has come to an end. For Rick… For dad… the journey is now beginning. But for us, there is loss, grief, and pain.

His life touched each person here today… in small ways… in large ways… in transformative ways… The world has fundamentally changed with his passing, and life will never be the same… Nor should it be. Together, let us open our hearts and commemorate the impact, love, and gratitude that dad… Rick… had on and for all of us.

It's said that many with cognitive decline report not being able to find themselves. This is something that I don't think ever afflicted dad, or at least he never showed it. I believe he chose exactly who he wanted to be and held onto that person.

I had the pleasure of getting to know my father again almost every day this past year as a son, caregiver, and friend. Believe me when I say all he wanted to do was to make everyone around him laugh and smile. Nothing else mattered to him. Well... Except for ice cream and his photos.

Dad chose to forget his troubles, his illness, and social boundaries. He chose to only focus on what I believe is the meaning of life: Relationships and experience. He became such a happy person as a result and was truly the happiest I've ever seen him. He also strived to share his joy with quite literally every person he met.

He once told me, quote: “I believe that it's taken me a long time to become the person I want to be.” Even in a state where, in his own words, his “focus was somewhat detoured,” he was so incredibly inspiring.

Dad… I absolutely love you! Everything that makes me a great man and human, I owe to you:

•	You taught me respect and endurance as a result of your Marine Corps experience.
•	Community, friendship, patience, philanthropy, and leadership as a Mason and Shriner
•	Appreciation of nature
•	Love of dogs
•	Infectiously loud laughter
•	Food, especially BBQ
•	Travel
•	Hard work
•	Accomplishment
•	Love
•	Gratitude
 
Thank you so incredibly much for the life you gave me and your support and patience through everything life brought!

*** Eulogies by Rick’s sister, Barbara Terry, and his daughter, Kymm Swank.

Everyone, please stand. Richard Swank has safely crossed the barrier and is now free to experience another reality, along with all the joys that await there. For us, however, it is important to say this final farewell as we commit his physical form to its natural end.

Richard Swank… Dad… We wish you well and thank you immensely for being a blessing in our lives. We honor your life, and we trust that you will find ever-lasting peace. We will never forget you. Go well and blessed be! As my will, so mote it be.

It is with profound sadness that I share the passing of Richard Foster Swank, who left us on October 27, 2024 at the age of 77 in Bedford, MA. Rick was a man of immense humor and experience, cherishing every moment possible.

He served his country during the Vietnam conflict as a U.S. Marine Corps officer and developed friendships in the V.A. and more recently, VFW Post 8164. The expertise he gained in the Marines served him well as a private detective and intelligence consultant. A proud Freemason and Shriner, Rick donated his talents as a pilot to fly children with disabilities to Shriners Hospitals around North America.

Rick lived well, laughed often, and loved much. He gained the respect of many and the love of children. He filled his niche and accomplished his task. He never lacked appreciation of Earth’s beauty or failed to express it. He looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.

Rick is survived by his two children, Kymm and Peter Swank, sister Barbara, brother David, their families, extended family, and a world of friends, as he never met a stranger. Rick will be remembered most by an exuberant laugh, astonishing stories, a love of life, and how everyone he met parted with a smile.

For more information, please visit www.rickswank.com

RICHARD FOSTER SWANK

Service

VIETNAM

US MARINE CORPS,

SGT

Resting Place

Mementos

Tributes

Word Cloud

undefined

Milestones

Mementos

Historical Documents

Veteran programs and services

More VA resources

Get VA updates

In crisis? Get help now

Contact us