Eskil Swanson

Eskil H. (Skull) Swanson, 98, passed away April 6, 2008, at Riverside Senior Living in Whitefish.

Skull was born in Chicago, Ill., on March 19, 1910, to Eskil and Milda Swanson. At age three, his father died, so he moved with his mother and sister to San Diego to live with his grandparents. His mother died the following year, so he was raised by his maternal grandparents.

As a young man, Skull learned the auto body repair business working in his uncle's shop. He later became a Chevrolet certified body mechanic and followed that career for most of his working life.

In 1931, he married Margaret (Peg) Smith in San Diego, and they happily celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary this past June.

His love of fishing and hunting lured him to Montana. With their family, they moved to Whitefish in 1955, where they made their home ever since. He owned and operated Skull's Independent Auto Body and Glass Shop until his retirement in 1975.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Crystal Klein.

Skull is survived by four children, Bonnie Howerton and husband Joe, of San Diego, Darlene Gauthier and husband James, of Tendoy, Idaho, Lee Swanson and wife Karen, of Roseville, Calif., and Judy Phillips and husband Lyle, of Whitefish; 10 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and seven great-great grandchildren.

He is survived locally by grandchildren Penny Simpson, Taunja Wagner and Ty Phillips and great grandchildren Caleb and Chelsie Simpson and Abby Wagner.

A memorial service will be held at Riverside Senior Living on Saturday, April 12, 2008 at 2 p.m.