Zack Swenson
Zack Swenson leaves in his wake so much humor, love, and zeal for life. He was a fourth-generation Austinite, who grew up at the edge of the city limits when the edge was 51st Street. His backyard was the old Robert Mueller airport, and the whole city and countryside was his playground from sunup to sundown. He was an Eagle Scout, and became a faithful and longtime member of St. Martin’s Lutheran Church through his Scout troop, in his youth. He served as a cook, a pilot, a mechanic, and the Director of Maintenance of Texas with the Army National Guard from 1953 to his retirement in 1990. He was the best dad ever for his children, Sharolyn and Steven , and the most adoring and adorable grandpa, for Navy, Hope, and Summer. He missed his beloved wife of almost 54 years, Carolyn, to his final breath. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him, and the ripples will extend out for a very long time.
Born in Austin, Texas
30 November 1935.
Met the love of his life, Carolyn Carroll. The two were married on 31 October 1964, and had two kids, Sharolyn and Steven.
Died on 16 March 2022
in Austin, Texas.
Sayings & Swensonisms
Anyone who met Zack knew that he was a jokester. He was the life of the party and could crack a smile out of anyone he met. Here is a collection of unique sayings, or “Swensonisms” that we collect to cherish his humor and mischievous spirit.
01
I feel like I’ve been shot at and missed and sh*t at and hit.
02
The iron in my blood has turned to lead in my ass
03
They’re as nutty as a peach-orchard squirrel
04
Anyone: “Are you ready?” Zack: “I’m waiting on you.”
05
Scene: Zack picking up a General for transport in his helicopter.
Zack: “Sir, you better put that parachute on.”
General: “I have no plans on jumping.”
Zack: “Yes, General. But if I say ‘jump’ and you say ‘huh?’, you’ll be talking to yourself.”
06
Wrap presents on Christmas Eve.
Buy presents on Christmas Eve.
07
We’re burning daylight
08
The one who howls with the hoot owls at night cannot soar with the eagles at morning.
09
If you have something to say to someone while others are watching television, by all means move your body in the direct line of vision between the television and a secondary person watching TV, not involved in your conversation, in order to address the person you wish to speak to.
10
Ilegitimi non carborundum
11
Never trust a fart.
12
Watch for deer
13
You can never have too many grills.
14
You could hear a rat p*ss on cotton
15
Context: after Thanksgiving dinner
“I’m stuffed but I’m full. My stomach says be happy, but my brain says be sleepy”