ForeverMissed
Large image
William C. Swanson, M.D. devoted his life to serving his community: professionally as a physician and surgeon and personally as a veteran, citizen and friend.

At age 90, Dr. Swanson peacefully passed on January 11, 2024 in Burbank, CA. He was born on February 2, 1933, in Newton, MA and was raised in Woodstock, Vermont.

After high school, Dr. Swanson enlisted with the United States Navy (1951-1955) and served as a medic for the Merchant Marines during the Korean War.

Dr. Swanson attended the University of Vermont, earning an undergraduate degree in Zoology (1959) and obtaining his medical diploma (M.D.) in 1964. He completed his internship at Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland, Oregon (1964-1965) and his residency at St. Mary's Hospital in San Francisco, California (1965-1968).

Dr. Swanson relocated to Southern California and opened his private practice in Burbank, California (1969-2003). He was certified by the American Board of Family Practice (1977-2005) and specialized in Family Practice and Orthopedics.

During Dr. Swanson’s career, he held numerous hospital appointments and committee positions, such as but not limited to: Chief of Medical Staff at Burbank Community Hospital (1978-1982), Chairman of the Department of Family Practice at Burbank Community Hospital (1978-1980), Medical Staff Advisory Committee for the Hospital Council of Southern California (1982-1988), Founding Board Member of the Glendale Multispecialty Medical Group (1990), Steering Committee Member at Glendale Adventist Hospital (1990), Secretary/Treasurer of Medical Staff at Thompson Memorial Hospital (1991-1996), Vice Chief of Medical Staff at Thompson Memorial Hospital (1996-1997), President and Sole Stock Holder at InterValley Medical Group and IPA (1992-2003) and Medical Director at Dreier’s Nursing Care Center (1999-2003).

He also held two long-term positions with the Burbank Chamber of Commerce: Development Committee (1983-1987) and Education Committee (1983-1998). He served the Red Cross Burbank Chapter as the Director of Blood (1986-1988) and Financial Development Committee Member (1986-1989).

Dr. Swanson saw patients and was affiliated with a number of local hospitals, including: Burbank Community Hospital/ Thompson Memorial Hospital (1969-1999), Glendale Adventist Medical Center (1969-2003), Verdugo Hills Hospital (1969-1979), Calexico Orthopedic Clinic (1970-1976), Medical Center of North Hollywood (1988-1991), Glendale Memorial Medical Center (1994-1998) and Providence St. Joseph Medical Center (1994-2003).

He was a member of AMA, CMA, and LACMA (1970-1978), Hollywood Academy of Medicine (1970-1982), American Academy of Family Practice (1988-1985), Rotary Club of Burbank (1978-1990) and the Burbank Chamber of Commerce (1983-2000).

Dr. Swanson lived his life passionately, with many interests and hobbies. He greatly enjoyed the outdoors and spent his free time skiing, fishing, boating, hiking, camping, exploring the country and photographing birds/ducks in nature. He also loved racing Porsches on the Irwindale Speedway and found joy in companionship with his dogs: from showing his Dobermanns in National Dog Shows to training and working with his German Shepards. He had an affinity for computers and gadgets and always kept up with the latest technology. He had a great love for music, with a deep appreciation for classical composers and jazz. He was an avid reader and lifelong learner, studying and educating himself on various topics, even up until the week of his death.

Dr. Swanson will be deeply missed by his wife of 45 years, Delores Swanson; his children: Bridget Kelley-Lossada (Carlos), Megan Swanson Mazeika (Anthony), and Erik William Swanson (Angel); and his 8 grandchildren: Adrian Lossada, Alejandro Lossada, Emilia Mazeika, Avalon Mazeika, Olivia Swanson, Noah Swanson, Elijah Swanson, and Asher Swanson.

UPDATE: The Memorial Service honoring his life has been rescheduled to Saturday, May 4, at 2:00 pm at Valley Funeral Home in Burbank, CA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests the sharing of a tribute or personal story on this website.

“Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity.” — Hippocrates

Tributes

Leave a tribute
Megan Mažeika
February 20
February 20
My dad was always so happy when you talked to him. He had a very dynamic and charismatic personality. With every conversation, he made you feel understood and incredibly seen. He was a brilliant man, so perfectly logical and wise. Always the type of person you would run to if you needed any help. He was adventurous and had a love for living life outside. While I was growing up, he was a fast-paced, action-packed type of guy and would only occasionally slow down on the weekend. He was funny, actually very silly, and had a quick-wit, yet sometimes he was on the quieter side. He was firm yet reasonable, strong yet gentle, safe yet sometimes unpredictable.

But most of all, he was kind and compassionate. He had a sincere appreciation for all life and was devoted to helping people. He dedicated his life to that. He sincerely cared about others, treated each and every one of his patients as his friends. He knew one of the best ways to save lives was by changing them. He wanted nothing more than to help his patients live better and longer - with more joy and less pain. Without him and the very special way he cared, hundreds if not thousands of people would not have had the life they did.

It is truly an honor to be a daughter of such a man: A giving person who spent his whole life in service. You made such a difference in this world, Dad. Helping one person, one conversation at a time: you inspired, healed, and saved so many others and I’m so proud of you. Love you always. Your Meggie.
Margaret Hauptman
February 27
February 27
Dr. Bill was always so friendly and gregarious.
If you were nervous about your doctor appointment, your fears would be melted away with Dr. Bill's humor and smile.
He was intelligent, kind and considerate.
It was an honor to have known him.
He truly loved his beautiful wife, Delores and their family.
I will miss him greatly.
"In the hearts of those who loved you, you will always be there."
George Hauptman
February 27
February 27
Bill was immediately friendly when I first met him. It was impossible not to be friendly in return. He could discuss anything with enthusiasm and thought. He was always willing to be helpful. He was welcoming, cordial and fun to be with.
I especially enjoyed sharing his Porsche car adventures with him. He was a very special individual that one remembers as he made the world a better place.
He will be greatly missed.
J L
February 20
February 20
Anita and I are reminded of the many times Bill gratuitously helped us when we experienced a medical emergency or need, i.e., Anita’s shingles; and/or providing us with emergency stomach meds when we visited Cambodia. He was a generous and exemplary physician, and above all, a genuine human being, who loved to help others. His passing saddens us. 

Leave a Tribute

Light a Candle
Lay a Flower
Leave a Note
 
Recent Tributes
Margaret Hauptman
February 27
February 27
Dr. Bill was always so friendly and gregarious.
If you were nervous about your doctor appointment, your fears would be melted away with Dr. Bill's humor and smile.
He was intelligent, kind and considerate.
It was an honor to have known him.
He truly loved his beautiful wife, Delores and their family.
I will miss him greatly.
"In the hearts of those who loved you, you will always be there."
George Hauptman
February 27
February 27
Bill was immediately friendly when I first met him. It was impossible not to be friendly in return. He could discuss anything with enthusiasm and thought. He was always willing to be helpful. He was welcoming, cordial and fun to be with.
I especially enjoyed sharing his Porsche car adventures with him. He was a very special individual that one remembers as he made the world a better place.
He will be greatly missed.
Megan Mažeika
February 20
February 20
My dad was always so happy when you talked to him. He had a very dynamic and charismatic personality. With every conversation, he made you feel understood and incredibly seen. He was a brilliant man, so perfectly logical and wise. Always the type of person you would run to if you needed any help. He was adventurous and had a love for living life outside. While I was growing up, he was a fast-paced, action-packed type of guy and would only occasionally slow down on the weekend. He was funny, actually very silly, and had a quick-wit, yet sometimes he was on the quieter side. He was firm yet reasonable, strong yet gentle, safe yet sometimes unpredictable.

But most of all, he was kind and compassionate. He had a sincere appreciation for all life and was devoted to helping people. He dedicated his life to that. He sincerely cared about others, treated each and every one of his patients as his friends. He knew one of the best ways to save lives was by changing them. He wanted nothing more than to help his patients live better and longer - with more joy and less pain. Without him and the very special way he cared, hundreds if not thousands of people would not have had the life they did.

It is truly an honor to be a daughter of such a man: A giving person who spent his whole life in service. You made such a difference in this world, Dad. Helping one person, one conversation at a time: you inspired, healed, and saved so many others and I’m so proud of you. Love you always. Your Meggie.
View all 4 tributes
Gallery
Celebrating Bill's 90th Birthday!
View all 100 items
Recent stories

A mentor

February 28
by Connie Bell
I have mixed emotions writing about a man who was my boss, mentor and a shaper of my professional life. I first met Dr. Swanson while working as a Surgical Technologist at Burbank Community Hospital. As time went by, I became a Private Scrub for a Neurosurgeon whose office was in the same building as Dr. Swanson’s. Much later, my employer retired and Doctorand Del offered me a position with them. The professional environment, learning opportunities coupled with his mentoring, ability and desire to teach , are some of the best memories I have of him. He imparted his knowledge every step of the way and treated his patients with respect and love. His teaching forged the rest of my professional life as an educator. And for that I am forever grateful. He was a leader in the community and I trust he has been given a similar position in eternity. RIP, boss… mentor… friend

Invite others to Dr. William's website:

Invite by email

Post to your timeline

Share in Messenger