Family
Welcome to a journey through my life—a story rooted in love, faith, and purpose. It began with a spark on a blind date in 1969 and grew into a marriage that spanned over 55 years, filled with shared adventures, family bonds, and a deep commitment to service. From leading YMCA programs to raising two sons with intention and love, my path has been shaped by community, resilience, and the steady influence of faith—lessons passed down from my father, an Episcopal priest, whose example helped guide my own calling. This page reflects those experiences, the people who made them meaningful, and the values that continue to shape my life today.
Husband
I met my beloved Vicki on a blind date, October 25, 1969, to see the 5th Dimension at Saint Louis University. Despite my MG’s refusal to start, requiring a push and jump-start, our love sparked instantly. By December, we were engaged, marrying on July 18, 1970. Our 55+ year marriage began with a whirlwind of shared adventures. Vicki, new to travel, met my family across Missouri, while I navigated her vast clan of cousins—a 20-year learning curve! We bonded through YMCA events, Sunday services at Lemay Baptist, and lunches with her parents. I’d run 10 miles to her house for weekend visits, cherishing our extended “dating” phase. In 1973, we moved to Carbondale, Illinois, where I led the Jackson County YMCA. Vicki shone as a floral shop worker and Welcome Wagon hostess, winning hearts. Together, we built lifelong friendships with other people throughout the US, weaving a tapestry of love and shared moments.
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Father
Becoming a father is a profound journey, both challenging and deeply rewarding. My mission was to raise my sons, Joshua Daniel (born March 14, 1977, Denver) and Jason Robert (born December 15, 1980, Denver), into responsible men, just as my own father guided me through childhood, college, and marriage. In Denver, their early years were enriched by strong family ties with grandparents. Moving to Los Angeles opened new doors—working at the YMCA, I saw them daily in preschool and after-school programs. We cherished family outings to parks, beaches, and mountains, and bonded through the YMCA’s Indian Guides, a father-son program that strengthened our connection. In Tulsa, we embraced cross-country running, starting each day with 5:00 AM workouts. I taught them resilience and love by cherishing their mother, a value I learned early in life. Both graduated debt-free from state colleges, ready to build their own families. ​
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Preacher's Kid
Born May 17, 1945, in Evanston, IL, to Rev. Robert Clarkson Swift, an Episcopal priest, and Mary Jane Hait, I grew up as a preacher’s kid, shaped by faith and service. My father’s calling took us from Durant, OK, where he ministered to post-World War II congregations, to Oklahoma City, Lawrence, KS, and Dallas, TX. In Lawrence, I roamed freely but learned accountability as the priest’s son. The community’s deep spiritual resilience, especially among war veterans, inspired me. Our home welcomed seminary students, enriching our lives with shared faith. After a 1957 church fire, my father’s vision rebuilt it, and in Dallas, he crafted St. Luke’s, a circular sanctuary symbolizing closeness to God. His work ethic and building spirit guided my YMCA career. Assisting in baptisms, marriages, and funerals, I witnessed the imperfect beauty of parish life, learning that faith embraces all, binding communities in love and purpose.
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