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In Memoriam - Matt Swanson
ABOVE: Matt and Renee, with their two sons (l-r) Simon and Jacob. During his last year Matt was Assistant Chaplain at Geneva College in Pennsylvania. In November 2003 he preacheed a sermon titled "Isn't it Beautiful." January 6, 1972 – May 7, 2004Matt and Renee Swanson, like the rest of us, came to Regent to study. They also could not predict all that would happen to them. They spent much longer here than they anticipated, had children, lived in a community house, and spent most of their married life (5 of their 7 years) here in Vancouver. While Matt studied for his MDiv, Renee worked on staff in the President’s office and in the Continuing Studies department. They both had a love for life and modeled to many of us what friendship is – forgiveness, forbearance, acceptance, courage, truth, love. And from them, we caught a glimpse of what God’s friendship is. On April 9, 2003, a few days before Matt was to hand in his last, final paper for his degree, he was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. It felt like we were losing a family member. Along with their two boys, Jacob and Simon, Matt and Renee moved to Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania to begin treatment, to be closer to their family and friends, and for Matt to fulfill his role as a college chaplain at Geneva College. Though they left Vancouver, they never left our hearts. The distance between Vancouver and Beaver Falls did not seem far. We continued to offer whatever we could with our hearts as we received regular updates on Matt’s deteriorating condition. Just before Matt died in May, Renee wrote that it was spring, regardless of the winter all around us. She then said, “I think this is true of our lives too. God is still here and very present with us. All is not as it seems. There is ALWAYS more to the story. Pray that we will have eyes to see that.” They are a gift to us. And as we walk alongside Renee, Jacob and Simon, we pray that God will continue to meet them, bring hope to them, and give them eyes to see God’s presence and movement in their lives. ~ by Alice Risho (MDiv ’01) A fund has been set up to which people may contribute through Regent College. Cheques can be made out to Regent College, clearly marked "Renee Swanson Fund." Cash, interac, and credit card gifts can be made at reception 8:30 - 4:30 Monday to Friday. If you have a story about Matt that will help Jacob and Simon in later years to get to know their father, please write it up (two copies, please) and send it to:
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