Gregory Walker Swenson (1950-2014)

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NEW VINEYARD – Gregory Walker Swenson, 64, of New Vineyard, died peacefully in the company of his family on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014, after a long battle with cancer.

Greg Swenson
Greg Swenson

Born on June 1, 1950, to Jane and George Swenson, Greg grew up in Verona, New Jersey, with his siblings, Jane and John Swenson. Throughout his childhood his favorite part of the year was the summers when the family rented a home in Harvey Cedars on Long Beach Island. He spent those days on or by the ocean bodysurfing, crabbing, cruising around in motor boats, and working as a life guard.

Greg always knew he wanted to live in the country. In high school he purchased property in New Vineyard, Maine, and in 1976, he and his wife, Paula, moved all of their possessions in a “vegetable truck” to build a house on top of a steep hill in the woods. There, they raised their two daughters, Erica and Kristin. Greg once worked as a selectman and volunteered with the fire department. He and Paula were happy living in this close and loving community.

For 32 years, Greg taught business classes at Livermore Falls High School. One of his passions as an educator was to connect students with internships and job opportunities. Greg also loved Maine and the outdoors. He and his family cross-country skied, swam in the Carrabassett River, kayaked, camped, gathered sap for maple syrup, and raised chickens. He also hunted, fished, and downhill skied at Sugarloaf. His passion for fishing often led him to remote places in Maine as well as Key West, Montana, Alaska, Labrador, and New Brunswick.

Greg had a full life. He made frequent visits to see his many friends and stopped to chat with everyone that he met in his travels. He was fascinated with others’ stories, which made him a good listener and an avid reader. He enjoyed being the grandfather of three girls: Madelyn, Isla, and Sylvie. They would run to their “Pops” as soon as they entered the house.

There will be a service at 1 p.m. on Dec. 7, 2014, at the Mountain View Bible Church in New Vineyard. Donations may be made to High Peak’s Alliance: http://highpeaksalliance.org. Address: P.O. Box 98 Strong, ME 04983.

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13 Comments

  1. Sorry to hear of Greg’s passing. Thoughts and prayers are with Paula and families at this difficult time.

  2. I am so sorry for your families loss. I had Mr. Swenson for my teacher for two years. Mr. Swenson was absolutely my all time favorite teacher. He, by far, was my biggest supporter during my high school years. You will be so missed.

  3. So sorry to hear of Greg’s passing – he was a great person and will be greatly missed.

  4. Extremely sorry to hear of Greg’s passing. He will be missed as colleague and a friend.
    Our prayers are with you and your family.
    Betty and Skip Grant

  5. Greg was a great guy, sorry to hear of his passing. I made quite a few trips up that driveway to that “house on a steep hill” with an oil truck, sliding all the way down a few times. I didn’t really mind because I knew Greg appreciated my efforts, will miss seeing him.
    John Worth

  6. Paula , Kristen, and Erica. sorry for your loss . It was very easy to be friends with Greg He always had time to chat. Or at least he always took time to chat. One of the last times I saw Greg his grand child was leading him all around his property and he followed along as if he was on a great adventure. I proudly call him a FRIEND

  7. Truly a wonderful man. The kind of person that you can “bump into” and have a better day just for having done so.
    Greg was an intelligent, “fun to be around” and friendly gentleman. I will remain inspired and awed by the courage and selflessness Greg consistently exhibited during his long battle. Seldom has such a fight been waged with more dignity, grace and positive energy. Of course, such a statement would be immediately and humbly brushed aside with a polite change of topic by this classy guy. I will miss him.
    Greg’s departure is deeply felt by all who knew him but has been made so by the rich blessing and gift that he was.
    Our deepest sympathies to Paula and Family and Greg’s many close friends.

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