Saw your photo the other day, Jeff. It reminded me of how much I miss talking tunes and baseball with you. Can't believe it's been this long. Hope to see you again sometime down the road, mi amigo...

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is a free music fest in San Francisco each year. This was one of jeffs favorite weekends of the year. Free bands for three days, sun and Golden Gate Park and then a burrito afterwards. I had the pleasure of attending with him many years. Coincidentally today is day 1 of HSBG 2022, and fitting as a tribute to Jeff. I was exchanging words with friends earlier today and everyone agreed to make this HSBG even more special by keeping Jeff in mind..... 

I was with Jeff on two occasions when he lost his wallet and it came back to him both times. One time he spent the night at our house, and when I woke up he was semi-frantically looking around and clearly distressed (this a guy who was never off kilter, and was as even keeled as anyone I know). I asked Jeff what was up and he commented that he lost his wallet and ‘it was right there last night’ as he pointed to the side table. We both looked around a bit and I noticed one of my dogs sitting looking peculiarly at us with a look I have never seen before. I said to Jeff ‘take a look at this’ and we both eyed the dog who was fervently staring us down. I lead Jeff outside and into the back of the yard, and sure enough in the way back was his wallet. The dog had somehow grabbed it and attempted to hide it, and had never done anything like this before or since.  Jeff and I laughed magnitudes that AM. Nicest guy I have ever known. And more on the other wallet loss and retrieval some other time.  NFA Jeff. 

A bunch of us were at Moe. last night Fillmore. Place was packed and full of energy. And lots of words, smiles and thoughts about you were in the air and in the room....more than a few people mentioned you were certainly there.

Brought one of your old drum sticks to the show with me.... cheesy as could be but appropriate IMO. Hope the great gig in the sky is treating you well brother.  

NFA
DD

Jeff, today is your birthday. Mom and I are watching Amelia, Caitlin and Alyssa this weekend and we all want to wish you a happy birthday. We miss you everyday. Jason and Giulia are spending the day with a lot of your friends from Santa Cruz. We'll be thinking of you a lot today just as we do everyday. We miss you and love you. Till we meet again. The beat goes on. Play some of our favorite music today. Love Dad.

Happy Birthday Brother. 

NFA

I knew of Jeff's kindness and experienced it often. When he would come to visit he would often spend time and visit with his Grandmother and that meant so much to her.

At Jeff's memorial yesterday there was a theme: people talked about Jeff the musician, and Jeff the human being. They talked about his talent and his work ethic as a drummer, but also about his consideration and devotion as a bandmate and a friend. Talent you’re born with. But the other three: hard work, consideration, devotion – these are things you’re taught. As a little kid I saw firsthand the love, respect, and hard work that the Swolgaard house was built on. I hope Colleen and Gordon can find some space in their hearts to feel proud of the son they raised and to know that he had meaningful relationships, that he treated people with courtesy and respect, and that he made the world a better place by it. All my love to Colleen, Gordon, Jason, and the rest of Jeff’s family – both musical and blood. May his memory live on.

I worked with Jeff at Marinis for several years in high school and always enjoyed spending time with him. I've held on to one specific memory that always seemed to be the first thing that came to my mind when I'd think of him or see one of his Facebook posts. I had tickets to a concert and was telling Jeff about the lineup. I dismissed one of the band's as some no-name act I'd never heard of before. "I don't know, some band called Soundgarden," I told him. Jeff was a few years younger than me but I remember he got right in my face and told me I absolutely had to make time for Soundgarden, as they were going to be huge someday. I remember after seeing them live I realized how right Jeff was and how grateful I was he convinced me to pay attention. His credibility was forever sealed with me, and even now almost 30 years later I still feel indebted to him for that. I doubt he would remember that conversation, but I've never forgotten it. I'm sorry for your loss, Jason, Colleen, Gordon, and the rest of your family. Jeff was a very special guy and made lasting impressions with a lot of people, probably more than he ever realized.