Darth Rodney Swanson On November 21, 2016 Darth passed into the arms of our Lord. While Dementia took him sooner than we wanted, we know he is at peace now, with his daughter Dana who died 12-24-15. Darth was born on 5-29-37. He was a life-long resident of Tacoma, graduated from Stadium in 1955 and attended UPS. He proudly served in the US Army Reserves and Air Force. Darth met Marian Marcoe, the love of his life, in 1960 and they were married 6-20-1964. After Derek and Dana were born, he said his life was complete. When you met Darth, conversation would turn to family. There was no secret how much he loved them. When Darth became a grandpa, he was a proud supporter, sharing pictures and talking about each one. Darth had many life-long friends, but he also treasured every new friendship and always had a joke or story to tell. At a young age Darth found a love for making things working with wood. He built houses with his father as "Swanson & Son". Later on, as "Swanson Builders", he and son Derek continued to remodel and build quality homes. In 1986, Darth played Santa to over 500 at Bellarmine's Santa Brunch. He loved this happy time enough to open his home each year for children who were shy around Santa. Before long, his Christmas spirit had him booked for nursery and preschool visits. Darth enjoyed sports his whole life. He was involved in his children's lives, coaching their different sports and attending their events. For many years, he played basketball and baseball with friends on teams he sponsored and was a long-time member of Fircrest Golf Club. In 1992, he enjoyed a memorable trip to Scotland with Marian and close friends to play golf at St. Andrews and other famous courses nearby. Darth was happiest at his lake place. Many good memories were made with family and friends celebrating holidays and his birthday. Darth was preceded in death by parents: Art and Ruby and daughter Dana. He is survived by wife Marian, son Derek (Christy), and son-in-law Heath, grandchildren Tanner, Ruby, Nate, Jacob and Lindsey, brother Joel (Betty Anne), sister Gayle, as well as many other Marcoe and Swanson relatives. Darth was known for love of family, friends and life. Please remember him for his warm smile, the funny stores and jokes he told and for his unconditional kindness to all. Darth remains in our hearts as a one of a kind, class act guy. Though his presence is gone, the way he touched our lives will remain in our hearts forever. Darth's Celebration of life will be held at 2pm on Saturday, January 14, 2017, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 1315 No. Stevens, Tacoma, WA. Thanks to our longtime, family physician, Dr. Mark Craddock and staff of Franciscan Hospice House for loving care of Darth. To donate in Darth's memory, please consider Franciscan Hospice House in University Place, or The . Visit www.pipermorleymellingerfh.com to leave family condolences, see pictures and read more of Darth's life.