June 22nd, 2016

​Neil Duane Swant
Neil Duane Swant was born July 26, 1948, to Marvin and Velma (Cole) Swant in Deer Lodge, the third of three sons. He passed peacefully in his sleep June 13, 2016.
Neil attended Deer Lodge Schools and graduated from PCHS in 1966. After high school, he attended General Motors Mechanics School in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was sponsored at this school by Dee Motor Co. of Anaconda. He later worked for Dee Motors and Downing Chevrolet in Deer Lodge. He moved to the Tri Cities area in Washington for a short while working as a mechanic in Richland, Wash. He returned home to Deer Lodge in the fall of 1971 because he wanted to go hunting. While in Deer Lodge at this time, he met Marlene Anderson on a blind date arranged by his brother and wife. Neil and Marlene were married February 17, 1972. They were blessed with two sons, Thad and Aaron. In 1980, Neil opened Swant’s Auto Repair in Deer Lodge. He ran the shop until 1994, when he went to work for School District #1 as maintenance and transportation supervisor, retiring in 2010. He enjoyed hunting, camping, snowmobiling, and 4-wheeling with friends and family. His most memorable hunting trip was this last year. After 30 years of applying for a moose tag, he drew one and shot a big bull while hunting with both of his sons. 
Neil was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife of 44 years, Marlene, son Thad and wife Lauren, and son Aaron; his granddaughter Hannah Sidner and husband Rodger, and his newest granddaughter, eight month old McKenna; his brother Dale and wife Arlene, of Davenport, Wash., his brother Gary and wife Laura, of Deer Lodge; his sister-in-law Merna and husband Terry Nelson (Wash.), sister-in-law Vicki and husband Wayne Koterba (N.D.), brother-in-law Darrell and wife Alice Anderson (Wash.); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A memorial service was held at the 1st Baptist Church in Deer Lodge Friday, June 17 at 3:30 p.m. Memorial donations in Neil’s name can be made to Deer Lodge Christian Men Group at 268 Meadow Vista, Deer Lodge, MT 59722 or to donor’s choice.

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