George N. Swift

George N. Swift, age 96, of Buchanan, died Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at River Ridge Manor in Niles. He was born March 28, 1918 in Galien, Michigan to the late Harold and Hazel (Norris) Swift who preceded him in death.  On May 16, 1942 in Niles he married Eleanor Hayes who preceded him in death on February 2, 2006. George and Eleanor were blessed to have spent sixty three loving years together. George and Eleanor met at a church picnic.  Religion always remained the strong center of their marriage and both were active members in the Buchanan Presbyterian Church. As a young provider he enjoyed working for the Kerr Hardware Store and the South Bend Lathe Company; as the world changed so did he. George started working for the Sears Roebuck Company as the assistant manager; often times he was rewarded for selling the most appliances in his district. He retired in 1981 after working for them for 31 years.  He was a lifetime member of the Niles Lions Club and had served two terms as president. He also served as past master of the Pokagon Masonic Lodge, later transferring his membership to the Buchanan Masonic Lodge and was a life member there as well. Survivors left to mourn his passing are his loving nieces and nephews: Deanna Nihart (Lorell), Linda Dopp (Bert), Barbara Moore, Sally Howard, Don Dodd (Toan), Fred Frost (Marge) and Marta Dodd, 12 great nieces and nephews, several great greats and one great-great-great niece. Services will be on Monday, October 13th at Swem Chapel at 11:00 a.m. where friends may call one hour prior to the service. Rev. Marilyn Schlimgen will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak RidgeCemetery in Buchanan. Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 115 W. Front St., Buchanan, Michigan  49107. To sign his guest book or leave a condolence message please visit our web site www.swemchapel.com.