Spencer Swanger Obituary

Born in Reading PA, to Elsie and Phillip Swanger. Died instantly, as the result of a fall, July 20, 2010, in the Dolomites of northern Italy. Spence grew up in the Reading Pennsylvania area, and attended Kutztown State College, 1958-1960. His life's adventures began during his marriage to Susan Zehner, 1962-1993. From 1962-1965 he was in the 318th US Army Security Agency Battalion, stationed in Germany. He moved to Colorado Springs, and began working for the Postal Service in 1965, retiring in 1992. Spence joined the Colorado Mountain Club in 1966, and was a Trip Leader for 40 years. Spence was the first person to summit "The Centennials" (100 highest peaks in Colorado). As an inveterate worldwide traveler, he hiked and climbed in more than 30 countries across 5 continents, from the Himalayas to the Serengeti. He enriched the mountaineering community by inspiring others, instilling his passion for adventure. Pursuing another passion, he joined Pikes Peak Camera Club 1967. He was an award winning and professional photographer for 25 years. His photographs have been showcased in prominent publications including National Geographic, Backpacker, National Wildlife, as well as textbooks and outdoor guides. After a 13 year relationship, Spence and Karen Morris married on Valentine's Day, 2006. He is survived by daughters Christina Frazer and Heidi Woods, and grandchildren Isabel and Matthew Woods. Spence was truly a multi-dimensional Renaissance man, with a wide array of interests and passions. He had an extensive knowledge, and large musical collections of J.S .Bach and classic jazz performers, especially Louis Armstrong. His depth of knowledge of international military history, and the settlement history of the American Southwest inspired many of his trips. He was a baseball devotee, and an avid long distance bicyclist. Most of all, he remained an intrepid explorer, thriving on the exhilaration and delights of climbing in high places. Spence's iconic standing was due to his position as an active link between the history and the future of Colorado mountaineering. His mentors were people like Carl Blaurock, Paul Petzoldt, and Bill Bueler. Thank you, Spence, for sharing your bottomless wealth of experience with so many of us, and seeing us through climbs many of us dreamed about, but never really thought we could do. The Memorial Service for Spencer Swanger will be at the Garden of the Gods Trading Post on Tuesday, 24 August from 4:30pm-7:30pm. The general schedule is to have family members share their memories of Spence first followed by anyone who is interested in taking a brief moment to speak about Spence. This will be from about 4:45pm to about 5:45pm. The rest of the time will be for private sharing, meeting with old friends, looking over pictures and memorabilia and just general mingling. There will be some light snacks and a cash bar. Instead of flowers, if you feel you would like to make a donation, we would like it to go to the SAR team, Bergrettung-Sexten, who rescued the group from the mountain in Italy. They were professional, respectful and supportive and are all volunteers. A local account is set up to receive any donations. Make checks to Karen Morris, and write on the check that it is a donation for Spencer Swanger, Account S-10. Donations should be sent to Harrison District 2 Federal Credit Union, 1060 Harrison Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80905. Thank you very much for taking the time to help support those who support us in our most desperate time of need. All donations must be received by September 24th.