Gordon Swink's Obituary
Gordon was born in Borger, TX on April 27, 1946 to Haskell Jesse and Josephine (Castiglea) Swink. He passed Nov. 28, 2016 from complications of Lymphoma. Gordon moved to Burbank, CA at an early age, and was active in school and sports. He graduated from John Burroughs H.S. in 1964, received a BA in History (San Fernando Valley State College), a MA (Webster College) and a MS in Systems Management (University of Southern California). Gordon joined the Air Force and attended pilot training at Reese AFB in Lubbock where he met wife Sharon (Hayes) Swink. He flew KC-135A Tankers during 12 years in the Air Force, stationed in Altus OK and Plattsburgh NY, and was a pilot in the Vietnam War. He spent eight years in the U.S. Coast Guard, flying the HU25A Falcon Jet on Search & Rescue missions out of Corpus Christi, TX and San Diego, CA, and also trained Navy and Marine pilots for four years in the T-34 in Milton, Fl, thoroughly enjoying that experience, especially formation flying. Following 20 years military service, Gordon became a United Airlines pilot, flying several different airplanes including the DC-10 and the 777, retiring after 15 years. Cycling, a long-enjoyed activity, became a big part of Gordon’s retirement. He rode in “America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride,” a Leukemia/Lymphoma Lake Tahoe fundraiser, personally raising over $3000, as well as participating in many other charity rides. He rode with several local groups, including Velo Vets and his close friends the “Fat Team,” In recent years he clocked more than 5,000 miles (yearly) on his rides. Gordon is survived by his wife of 43 years, his children: Lara Kathryn Lopez (husband Aaron) and K.C. Swink, brother Kenne (Val) Swink, and nephews Capt. James (Elizabeth) & Robert McCarthy, and nieces Celine and Shelley Swink. Burial will be at the Dallas Ft-Worth National Cemetery, Dec.1 at 12:30. A celebration of Gordon’s life will be held at East Dallas Christian Church, 629 N. Peak Street, Dallas, at 11 a.m. on Monday December 5. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society or the charity of your choice.
What’s your fondest memory of Gordon?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gordon?
Share a story where Gordon's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gordon you’ll never forget.
How did Gordon make you smile?