Adrian Swets

Adrian Bernard Swets, age 83, died at the Clark Home May 8, 2008. His parents were Arie and Cornelia Swets, Dutch immigrants who met while sailing to the US in 1922. Adrian served three years in the army during WWII. He graduated from Davis Tech High School, Grand Rapids Junior College and Michigan State University. Adrian enjoyed his work as a designer and contractor for homes and offices. He and architect Gordon McCarty designed the downtown Lake Michigan Credit Union Building, one of many projects in the west Michigan area. Adrian's joyous avocation activities included drawing whimsical cartoons and program covers for church, civic and family events and writing lyrics for composer, Jack Kimmell. Together they wrote: the musical "Grass Green Sky Blue," which was performed by the Grand Rapids Civic Theater; the published oratorio, "Magic In The Heart of the Universe," premiered at Fountain Street Church and also performed by the G. R. Civic Theater; and a number of published choral anthems for the Fountain Street Church Choir. They also wrote "Grand Rapids Grand," which won a contest to write a Grand Rapids song, sponsored by the St. Cecilia Society. Never was there a man who more deeply loved his family, his friends, his church, art, music, words, ideas, Grand Rapids and the everyday beauty of the world. Missing him mightily are his wife of 59 years, Kathleen Bradley Swets; daughters, Deborah Swets (Jack Slater, deceased) of Seattle, Heidi Swets (Steve McCargar) of Decorah, IA; son, Benjamin Swets of Los Angeles; granddaughters, Hannah and Elsa McCargar; sister, Marguerite Goossen; brother, Marinus (Edna); sister-in-law, Plonia (wife of his deceased brother, Jack); many nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, customers, Fountain Streeters, and kindred art-loving souls. What a gift to have had him in our lives. See www.gfone.biz/as for Adrian photos and artwork. A memorial service to celebrate his life and loves will be held June 29 at 2:00 p.m. at Fountain St. Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Assn. or Fountain St. Church.