Michael John Sward, 70

Mike Sward, 70, passed away Oct. 4, 2023, at Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell. A beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and mentor to many.

Mike was born April 8, 1953, in Kalispell to Elwyn "Art" and Doris Sward. His adventurous side enjoyed anything involving the outdoors. Along with his parents and brothers, scouting was central to Mike’s early years. His father was the Troop 48 Scoutmaster, and his mother was a Cub Scout Pack 48 Den Leader. Mike and all his brothers became Eagle Scouts, the highest rank in scouting.

A superb athlete, he was the starting offensive center for the 1971 Flathead High School state championship football team. He later became state champion again, placing first in the discus event, breaking the school record set by his brother, Scott. Graduating in 1972, Mike went on to study criminal justice at Dawson Community College.

In 1974, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. Corporal Sward was honorably discharged in 1976. He felt honored to serve his country. Prior to leaving active duty, he was offered a position with the Ronan Police Department pending successful graduation from the Montana Law Enforcement Academy.

Just after graduation, Mike and MaryAnne Miller were married in 1977, at the Swan Chapel in Swan Lake, Montana. Together, Mike and MaryAnne had two wonderful children, Laurell and Brook. They enjoyed camping, hiking, crafts, and many other family outings together.

Law enforcement was Mike’s dream. His career spanned twenty-nine years, the last twenty-seven with the Flathead County Sheriff’s Department. He served in multiple positions including deputy, detective, and SWAT team Captain and Sharpshooter, and Drug Task Force. Concurrently, Mike served with the Army Reserves and later, the Army National Guard. During his time with the Guard, he competed on the unit’s pistol team. From 1979 - 1982, he won eleven shooting medals at international law enforcement competitions. In 1987, his team won first place in the Army-wide shooting competition at Fort Benning, Georgia.

In 2007, he was hired by DynCorp to train Iraqi police in Anbar Province. He was instrumental in mentoring former Iraqi soldiers to uphold the rule of law while respecting civil rights.

Mike and Debra Smith-Benkelman were married in Fort Benning Georgia in 2007. Mike and Debra were passionate about traveling the world throughout Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. They were avid backpackers, and most of all loved traveling and camping in their RV with all their many grandchildren throughout the US.

He was preceded in death by his father, Elwyn "Art" Sward; mother, Doris Sward; brothers, Bob, and Scott Sward.

He is survived by his former spouse, MaryAnne Miller; daughter, Laurell (Matt) Hartle; son, Brook (Ashley) Sward; wife, Debra Sward; children, Merisa (Pat) Murray, Brandon Benkelman, Brent (Valarie) Benkelman; grandchildren, Oliver and Annie Hartle, Tanyon and Torren Murray, Dacia and Blake Benkelman, Kaven and Kamden Benkelman. He is also survived by his youngest brother, Tom (Toot) Sward; and sisters-in-law, Toni Sward and Barb Sward, along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

We will no longer see Mike, but we will remember his infectious laugh.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, at the Flathead County Fairgrounds. Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is caring for the family. In lieu of flowers donations can be make the the Flathead County Animal Shelter.