Mark Eric Swanson, 52

Mark Eric Swanson, 52, passed away suddenly at Powell County Medical Center in Deer Lodge on Oct. 23, 2006, from a massive heart attack while hunting with his buddies. Mark was born Oct. 20, 1954, in Kalispell, the son of Harry and Virginia (Pound) Swanson. He grew up in Kalispell and graduated from Flathead High School.

Mark spent all his time in the woods and worked as a clipper operator. He was very active in the logger sports and various other logging activities.

He loved hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, taking long drives and coaching his son, Tanner, in team sports.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mark is survived by his soul mate, Doreen MacLoud; son, Tanner; ex-wife, Julene Swanson; very special mom, Agnes Gustafson; special other parents, Bob and Marilyn Cartwright; Doreen's children, Alex AKA Stubbs, Eric and Scott; brother, Michael Swanson; sisters, Susanne Taft and husband, Bill, Shelley Hildebrandt and husband, Terry; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was a very special uncle to Betty Drake, Trina Jelvick, Donny Hogue, Heather Olson, Chris Hogue, LeAnne, Libby and Weston Cartwright, Nicole and Dustin Bucher, and David and Lynn Swanson.

As Mark turned to his hunting buddies with a big smile on his face, his last words were, "It doesn't get any better than this."

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Flathead County Fairgrounds, under the grandstands. A reception will be after the services at 4 p.m. at the Eagles Lodge.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.