Anthony Thomas Swann

About Anthony

Anthony Thomas Swann, age 81, passed away on February 14, 2024 at his home in Bemidji MN.

The son of Nathalie and Tom Swann, Anthony grew up in Crosslake MN and graduated from Brainerd High School.

After attending Bemidji State University and The University of MN, he worked for a time as a cook on the railroad.

He spent time in Minneapolis, San Francisco, Mexico, Brazil, and Pine River. He lived in Bemidji for the last 37 years.

Anthony was a poet, writer, lover of music, particularly jazz, and volunteer cohosted the show Jazz On America Avenue on KAXE radio. He had poems published in multiple publications as well as two books of poetry, “Paint with Words” and “Blue Trailings” He also published a novel called “To Search the Night.”

His poetry spoke of the music he lived and loved, the downtrodden, nature and everyday observations. He left volumes of writings that reflect on his spiritual beliefs and kindhearted soul.

He loved his family and is survived by sons: Monte, Elias and Cyrus, as well as four grandchildren: Isadora, Arlo, Athena and Avery.

He is also survived by his sister, Lisa Swann, brother-in-law, Rich Engstrom (Mary Lee), niece Sunnie Herring (Engstrom), nephew Dustin Engstrom and special friends; Lonnie Knutson, Mike Olson, Mary Underhill, Cindy Henderson and Karen Ryan and so many others.

He was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother Kampmann, his parents Tom and Nathalie Swann, sister Mary Lee Engstrom and former wives, Gayle Swann (Fraser) and Claire McGuigan (Hesli).

memorial service

Services are pending.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home