John "JACK" Walker Swainson, Jr.

John Walker Swainson Jr. “Jack” was born November 29, 1938 in Livingston, Montana to John and Ethel Swainson. Entered into rest on Sunday, August 29, 2010 in Spokane, WA. He is survived by his wife, Rae Dell, who enjoyed 43 years of marriage with him and their three children: Edward John, married to Karise, Sydney Rae, married to Cameron Healey, and Kelly Kay, married to David Handley. All of his family, including his five grandchildren: Walker, Cole, Jack, Ethan and Judy-Rae, will miss him deeply. Jack grew up in Livingston, hunting and fishing in Yellowstone Park with his father. He learned to fly as a young man, including fixed wing and helicopters. He studied business at Montana State College on a rodeo scholarship, riding broncs and calf-roping. He and Rae started the Belgrade State Bank. In 1972, they moved to Spokane, where he worked for Farm Credit Banks, flying all over the northwest as a corporate pilot and flight operations manager. Jack owned and managed Stark’s Vacuum for many years. One of Jack’s greatest passions in life was his charitable work in Masonry and the Shriner’s Hospital for Children. He was a member of the Belgrade Masonic Lodge #68 and Manito Masonic Lodge #246. Jack was honored to serve as El Katif Shriners Potentate in 1991, during the groundbreaking of the new Spokane - Shrine Hospital. He served as the Recorder for the El Katif Shriners until his passing. He was a member of Columbia Basin, Northeast Washington, South Spokane, and Valley Shrine Clubs and also the Flying Patrol. He was the Past Director and Impressario of the Royal Order of Jesters and a proud member of the Royal Order of Scotland. Jack was a longtime Shrine of North America Imperial Aide and served as Chairman of the Imperial Registration Committee. Jack was tough on the outside, but sweet on the inside as his family and friends knew so well. Jack’s greatest love was his wife, Rae Dell. Although his work here among us is done, he is now at peace with our Lord in Heaven, re-joined with family and friends who passed before him. A public Masonic graveside service will be held at the Spokane Memorial Gardens, 5909 S. Cheney Spokane Rd, Spokane Wa. 99224, on Thursday, September 2, 2010, at 1 p.m. A celebration of Jack’s life will follow between 3p.m. and 5p.m. at the Spokane Masonic Temple, 1108 W. Riverside Ave, Spokane, Wa. 99201. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Shrine Hospital Transportation Fund, care of the El Katif Shrine, 1108 W. Riverside, Spokane, Wa. 99201.