Juneau residents, Paul and Lorilyn Swanson celebrate 60 years of marriage on Dec. 28. In 1962, the Swansons married at Calvary Presbyterian in Enumclaw, Washington, on a snowy evening surrounded by candlelight, family, and friends. Paul was on army leave; their honeymoon was a car trip in his 1960 Ventura Pontiac to Killeen, Texas, where he was stationed. That was the start of married life filled with embracing opportunities from coast to coast, raising three children, enjoying the love and friendship of extended family, and serving community.
The ski business brought the Swanson family to Juneau in the late 1980s, with Paul as general manager of Eaglecrest. His joy was creating an experience for all ages and abilities to enjoy the mountain, and smiles came from grooming to corduroy perfection runs from top to bottom. Upon retirement, Paul brought his love for fishing to being a regular at harbor board meetings and as a DIPAC board member. Lorilyn found her true passion in serving Alaska’s senior community as the beloved (now retired) manager of Fireweed Place and as a dedicated senior advocate with the Commission on Aging. Her ability to create a welcoming, supportive and caring home environment touched many of Juneau’s senior citizens and families through the years.
Juneau has been home to the Swansons for more than 30 years. Paul and Lorilyn are faithful followers of local and state politics, embrace the community, and most importantly, love and are beloved by neighbors and family.
