Harold Swanson

Harold B Swanson 93, passed away peacefully Feb6, 2011. Survived by his children Bruce (Janet), Barbara Coulson (Ron), and Beth Faulhaber; as well as 8 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. Proceeded by his first wife of 56 years Linnea and second wife of nearly 10 years Dorothy (Leirfallom). Swanson and Leirfallom shared becoming widows after many years of extended care of their spouses at the same nursing home. They married at age 82. Swanson was a World War II veteran and former professor and department chair of Agricultural Journalism at the University of Minnesota and program director for the US Department of Agriculture.

A native of Maple Lake Minnesota, Swanson received his B.A. in Journalism and M.S. in agricultural economics from the University of Minnesota and his Ph.D. in extension administration from the University of Wisconsin.

Before coming to the University, he was an advertising manager and writer for the Plainview (Minnesota) News . He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the United States, England and France, working in personnel and as an army reporter.

Swanson joined the staff of the University in 1939 as a bulletin editor. Later he served as a news writer; as head of agricultural journalism and program director for communications for Agricultural Extension Service for 26 years; and as a communications specialist and teacher. He conducted summer sessions at the Colorado State University, the University of Wisconsin and Manitoba, along with several regional and national workshops. He retired in 1984.

Swanson was involved in many professional organizations continuing On the national level, he was president of the Agricultural Communicators in Education (ACE). He received ACE's highest award, the Professional ACE Award. He was also vice-president of the board of Extension Journal Inc. and a board member of the National Project in Agricultural Communications. He received the National Teacher Trainer Award, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Superior Service Award.

At the state level, Swanson was president of the Minnesota Adult Education Association; Epsilon Sigma, Phi, the professional extension society; Gamma Sigma Delta, the honor society of agriculture; and the Twin Cities United States Department of Agriculture Club. He was vice president of the North Central Chapter of NAMA (National Agricultural Marketing Association) and was a lifetime honorary member of this organization.

Swanson was author of over 100 publications in the communications field; a book, Looking Forward to a Career -Agriculture ; and a large number of journal and magazine articles. He has been editor of several professional journals and periodicals.

Even after retirement Swanson continued to serve. For 15 years he was honorary executive secretary of the North Central Chapter of NAMA. He was a member of the North Suburban St. Paul Kiwanis Club and the North Suburban Senior Council. He volunteered thousands of hours at the Presbyterian Homes and for several other organizations serving seniors. In 2001, the North Suburban Seniors Council named him Volunteer of the Year.

Service Friday, February 11, 2011 at COMO PARK LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1376 Hoyt Avenue, St. Paul. Visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment Hillside Cemetery. Memorials preferred to the Alzheimer's Association.