DIXFIELD – Harold E. Swift, 59, a resident of Third Street in Dixfield, died very unexpectedly April 14, at his home after a long illness.

He was born on March 19, 1950, in Farmington, the son of Ronald E. Swift and Beverly (Thomas) Swift Richards and was a 1968 graduate of Jay High School. He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1968 to 1972 during the Vietnam era. He worked as a carpenter and was well-known for his custom-made baskets woven from ash wood.

He was a great cook and enjoyed planting and tending his large vegetable garden. He also enjoyed canning, always sharing a large portion of the canned vegetables with others. He was a member of the Lane-Dube Amvets, Post 33 of Jay and enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading, puzzles and loved all animals.

He is survived by a son, Corey Swift of Augusta; a daughter, Naomi Swift of Lewiston; two sisters, Lois King and her husband, William, of Hickory, N.C., and Joan Goodrow and her husband, Shawn, of Wilton; a stepson, Matthew Swift of Waterville; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his mother and father; and stepfather, Arthur Richards.