Eskil H. 'Skull' Swanson, 98

Eskil H. "Skull" Swanson, 98, passed away Sunday, April 6, 2008, at Riverside Senior Living in Whitefish.

Skull was born in Chicago on March 19, 1910, to Eskil and Milda Swanson, but at age 3, his father died so he moved with his mother and sister to San Diego to live with his grandparents. His mother died the following year, so he was raised by his maternal grandparents.

As a young man, he learned the auto body repair business working in his uncle's shop. He later became a Chevrolet certified body mechanic and followed that career for most of his working life.

In 1931, he married Margaret "Peg" Smith in San Diego and they happily celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary this past June.

His love of fishing and hunting lured him to Montana. With their family, they moved to Whitefish in 1955, where they have made their home ever since. He owned and operated Skull's Independent Auto Body and Glass Shop until his retirement in 1975.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Crystal Klein.

Skull is survived by four children, Bonnie and husband Joe Howerton of San Diego, Darlene and husband James Gauthier of Tendoy, Idaho, Lee and wife Karen Swanson of Roseville, Calif., and Judy and husband Lyle Phillips of Whitefish; 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. He is survived locally by grandchildren, Penny Simpson, Taunja Wagner and Ty Phillips; and great-grandchildren, Caleb and Chelsie Simpson, and Abby Wagner.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at Riverside Senior Living.