Lon Madison Swick

Swick, Lon Madison Byron Center, MI Lon Madison Swick, age 64, left this physical world and was greeted by our heavenly father on Thursday, March 5, 2015. He lost the battle to cancer but he won in life. He was born and raised in Grand Rapids by his parents, Dorothy and Lawrence Swick, who preceded him in death. Lon grew up with two sisters, Sherry Siciliano and Krys Cunningham, and brother, Kevin Swick. He completed his undergraduate and graduate degree with honors at GVSU. He protected his community every day for the majority of his life. He started his career as a patrolman with the Wyoming Police Department, advancing to sergeant, where he remained for 29 years before retiring. After a short break, he decided retirement was not for him and returned to serve another local community, the Walker Police Department for ten years, and part time for two years with the Lowell Police Department. He was proud of his work and how he contributed to making the world a safer, better place. The only thing he was more proud of was his family and that feeling was mutual. Lon was a selfless person who would give the shirt off his back to a complete stranger if it would improve their life in any way. He was a devoted family man who always put his family before himself and that included his police family, "the guys", who worked for him and with him. He firmly believed in doing what was right regardless of the consequences. He was always there with a great story and wonderful sense of humor. He raised his girls to be independent, respectful, stubborn, loyal and kind. He was an amazing father, friend, brother, grandpa, and mentor. Surviving are his wife, Mary (Schneider); his daughters, Nicole Swick, and Kristin Cole; and her husband, Richard; his grandchildren, Allie, Madilyn, Kendall, and Brayden; as well as many other beloved family. Visitation will be held 9:30 to 10:30 am Saturday, March 14, with the service to follow at 10:30 am at St. Sebastian Church, 9408 Wilson Ave. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315. A luncheon will be served following the memorial. Lon has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to his niece, Alexie Schneider, who is currently battling liver cancer at Chemical Bank, 10795 Carson City Rd. Carson City, MI 48811 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.