Russell Chester Swansburg

Russell C. Swansburg passed away peacefully on 3 March 2026 at the age of 97. He lived an amazingly full life sharing 68 of those years with the love of his life Laurel. He was born 6 August 1928 in Cambridge, Massachusetts to Whitman and Mary Swansburg and raised in Little Harbour, Nova Scotia.

After graduating from the Nova Scotia Hospital School of Nursing he worked in Halifax where he met his future wife Laurel Clark. They were married in September 1951 and moved to Cleveland Ohio shortly thereafter. They both worked at University Hospital, Case Western Reserve University as nurses while he was earning his undergraduate degree. In 1956 Russell joined the Air Force and was assigned to the USAF Hospital in Wiesbaden, Germany.

During his 20 year career in the Air Force Russell graduated with a Masters degree in Nursing from Columbia University. His assignments included being Nursing Services Supervisor at the School of Health Care Sciences; Commander 903rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron in Vietnam; Deputy Inspector General for the Air Force Medical IG team; and Chief Nurse assignments at two Air Force medical centers. He had a distinguished career in the Air Force earning several Meritorious Service Medals, the Air Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters and the Legion of Merit. He advanced rapidly in rank being promoted to Full Colonel in 14 years and retired from the Air Force in 1976.

After retiring from the Air Force, he continued his nursing career as a writer and academic; a practitioner and leader. He earned a Doctoral degree from the University of Mississippi and held Professor's positions at several universities. He also served as Vice President for Medical Affairs at the University of South Alabama Medical Center during a second career that spanned 30 years.

Russell was a devoted family man raising three sons with Laurel. He was committed to their activities from academics to scouting and sports. He was a generous man contributing his time and money to a variety of charities including the humane society, food bank, his alma maters and a tip fund for the employees who cared for him later in life. His passions were gardening and stamp collecting.

Russell excelled at life! He influenced all who knew him and made us want to be better. In doing so, the world was better because he was in it!

Russell is preceded in death by his wife, Laurel, his grandson, Rusty, his brother, Whitman Jr. (Ted), and sister Joyce.

He is survived by his three sons; Philip, Michael and Richard; their wives/partners Susan Swansburg , Judy Miller and Aletha Swansburg; his daughters in law, Gwen Gray and Peg Jones.  Grandchildren Lori Jerger and husband Adam , Michael Swansburg Jr., Joseph Swansburg and wife Rachel, Jennifer Swansburg, and Natalie Williamson and husband Bryan; fourteen great grandchildren and Hardy....his beloved cat!

Apart from his family, Russell was most proud of his military service and love for his country.

A ceremony honoring his military service will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers family ask donations be made in his name to the local SPCA.

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