Gary Robert Swanson, world renowned wildlife artist, loving husband, wonderful father, adoring papa and a great friend to all who crossed his path, passed suddenly and far too soon for those he leaves behind.

Gary is survived by his wife of 47 years, Audreyetta; son Trevor Swanson, his wife Jennifer, their two children, Connor and Devon; daughter Kimberly Swanson Clemmer, her husband Tyler, their three sons, Nickalaus, Johnathan and Jakeb; his brother, Arthur Swanson; and his sister, Mary Dodge. Solace is taken in the knowledge that he was greeted at the gates of heaven with the open arms of his father, mother and brother, Ray. The Gary Swanson family lived in Prescott, Ariz., from 1973 to 1986.

Gary was born in Alcester, S.D., on March 17, 1942.  He was raised on the family farm with two brothers, Ramon and Arthur, and younger sister Mary. When his father passed away, Gary was only 15. Soon after, the family moved to Southern California, where Gary began to develop his sense of adventure and wanderlust. He lived in Seattle and Alaska, expanding his skill in taxidermy and developing a love of the wild places that would come to drive his life and passion when he turned his attention to artistic endeavors. After many years as a taxidermist, Gary had developed a love, understanding and passion for wildlife. With urging from his older brother, Ray, Gary took up the brush and worked diligently to portray his vision of the world through the medium of oil on canvas. Gary quickly earned a name for himself in the art world with his detailed depictions of the places he had been, traveling the world multiple times to experience first hand the beauty each place has to offer. Gary rose to prominence in his career both by personality and exceptional talent.

(Courtesy of AskArt)

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