William Henry Swaby

William Henry Swaby passed from this world on Wednesday, January 6, 2010, at the age of 79, in Camarillo, California. He was born Novemeber 5, 1930, in St. Louis, Missouri to Everett and Grace Lucille Swaby (nee Underwood), and was their only child. He was the devoted husband of Gail, who died in 2002, shortly before their 50th anniversary.He is survived by daughters, Joan Scott of Longmont, Colorado, and Nancy (Mrs. Tom) Watson of Camarillo, California, and by his five grandchildren, Nicholas Scott, Noah Scott, and Kellan Scott, Ali Watson, and Adam Watson. Bill grew up in Collinsville, Illinois, and he graduated from Collinsville Township High School in 1948. He attended St. Louis University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics in 1956, and a master’s degree in Education in 1958. In 1965, he earned a master’s degree in Economics from Northwestern Texas State University. He served in ROTC in college and entered the U.S. Air Force in 1952. He served his country as a First Lieutenant navigator and navigation instructor until his honorable discharge in 1955. He was stationed in Waco, Texas. Bill Swaby was a respected teacher and coach at Collinsville High School, in Collinsville, Illinois (1955-1958); the head football coach at Pinckneyville High School, in Pinckneyville, Illinois (1958-61); at Aurora East High School, in Aurora, Illinois (1961-62); and at Guilford High School, in Rockford, Illinois (teacher 1962-1986, and head football coach from 1962-1978). Bill taught economics, government, and U.S. history. He and Gail were members of Temple Baptist Church in Rockford. Bill and Gail moved to Fort Collins, Colorado in 1986. They were members of Fort Collins Covenant Church. Bill moved back to Rockford briefly from 2006 to 2008, and then moved with his family to Camarillo, California. Bill loved people and loved helping others. He was a devoted husband and father. He loved to laugh and joke, but was always intent on doing things well and serving in every way he could. His family, his friends, his players, and his students are grateful for his time here with us. Now he is with his Savior and his dear wife. A memorial service will take place in Fort Collins, Colorado, on Saturday, January 16, at 10am at the Evangelical Covenant Church on Lemay Avenue. Bill and Gail’s ashes will rest at Fort Logan Military Cemetery in Denver, Colorado. Rather than flowers or gifts, the family suggests leaving a remembrance at www.perezfamilyfuneralhome.com. Family contact information is c/o Watson at 250 Cathedral Cove #48, Camarillo, California, 93012.