Stephen "Dick" Swingley

Stephen “Dick” Swingley passed away peacefully on June 13, 2024, after battling cancer for 23 years. He adopted the motto “Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.”

Dick came into this world on his father's and uncle's birthday, August 28, 1947, born to parents, Marjorie Brown Swingley and Don Swingley. He married his high school sweetheart on September 19, 1969, and together they had 3 children.

Dick is survived by his wife, Randie Swingley; children, Heather Swingley Roberts, Angela (Ted Stuff) Swingley, and Spencer (Carly) Swingley; grandchildren, Skyler (Emily) Smith, Cade Stuff, Avarey Stuff, Ellianna Roberts, and Drew, Tatum and Harlow Swingley; as well as 3 great-grandchildren, Trent, Ollie and Maizey Smith; along with his beloved dog, Charlie.  He is also survived by his brother, Don (Marcene) Swingley, sister, Genie (Don) Kirby; and brother, Dave (Sue) Swingley. He also leaves behind many special nieces, nephews, and friends.

In December 2021 Dick retired after serving the City of Great Falls and the State of Montana for over 51 years. He was with the Great Falls Fire and Rescue for 30 years, rising through the ranks from a Fire Fighter to Captain to the City Fire Marshal. He then went on to work for the State of Montana and soon after became the Montana State Fire Marshal.

In high school, Dick loved playing basketball for the Rustlers and was always so proud to be in the 1st graduating class of CMR. He was instrumental in naming the mascot for the Charles M Russell High School... “The Rustlers.”  After high school, he played softball for many years with TJ’s. It was a 2nd family to him, and all the children on the team were raised together and had lots of fun on weekend trips to tournaments creating lifetime memories.

The family would like to thank Dr. Warr and all his staff, including the infusion center nurses, for their wonderful care throughout the years. Also special thanks to Dr. Underhill and her staff, Benefis 6th floor oncology and Peace Hospice House in Great Falls Montana for their excellent care and compassion for Dick.

There will be a celebration of life held at Montana Expo Park at noon on Thursday, June 20, 2024, with a procession to follow out to the Highland Cemetery. A reception will follow back at the Montana Expo Park. For those unable to attend, there will also be a live stream feed available online at www.SchniderFuneralHome.com.   If you would like to make a donation in his memory, please consider the Great Falls Fire Rescue Foundation at 105 9th Street South, Great Falls, MT  59401, or any other charity of your choice. Information about the Great Falls Fire Recue Foundation can be found at https://www.gffirefoundation.org.U