1969 – 2014

BOSTON — W. Michael Swartz departed this world on Thursday, Aug. 14, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He will be forever remembered as the husband who did everything in his power to make his wife’s dreams come true and as the father who snuggled with his sons and encouraged them to be passionate about life. The love the four of them shared was felt every second of every day.

Michael was a son who remembered flowers on Mother’s Day and phone calls on Father’s Day, a brother who could perform a duo comedy routine with a second’s notice, a brother-in-law who searched for sulfite-free wines, a friend who’d remind you to “keep it goofy,” and a co-worker who was always ready with a fist bump and a smile.

In the last week of Michael’s life, countless friends, family, and co-workers drove hours just for the chance of a few minutes of Michael-time. They all said the same thing, “Michael had a way of making me feel special.” And he did. When he talked to you, you felt like you were the only person in the room. If he saw you were having a bad day, he’d bring you out for wine and chocolate or coffee and a long walk. If you needed anything, he’d notice, and he’d stop whatever he was doing to help you. And if he couldn’t help, he’d find someone who could.

During the last conversation Michael had, his wife asked him what he wanted people to remember about him. He responded, “That I loved them.” It was that simple, Michael loved you all, and he loved you intensely. He loved his family, his work, his music, his naps, he even loved riding the lawn mower up and down the hill behind his house. Michael loved living life. He celebrated the little things. His advice to you would be, “Bring your wife coffee in the morning and touch feet with her when you get into bed at night. Kiss your children so much they finally put up their little hand and say, “Too many kisses.” Call your parents just to tell them you love them. Share all that you have with the world, and find the joy you are in search of.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com.