Roy L. Swensen

Long Beach resident Roy L. Swensen, 91, died November 4, 2008 in Clackamas, Oregon. Born in Grygla, Minnesota on May 21, 1917, he was the son of a Norwegian father and Swedish mother, Sofus and Hulda (Larsen) Swensen. Roy's early years were in Minnesota where he developed a strong work ethic. In his late teens he hopped a freight train from Minnesota, ending up in Astoria where he worked for his uncle. During the war years he lived in Vancouver, Washington where he was a welder in the shipyards, working on a crew which was predominantly women. The war over, Roy returned to Minnesota where he farmed for 6 years. During his working years, Roy was a jack of all trades. Besides being a farmer, he logged, fished in Alaska, was a carpenter and construction worker. During the 1950s he settled in Chinook, Washington where he operated Swensen Logging and Construction. Later he worked as a superintendent for various construction companies before closing out his career working as a mechanic for Lakeside Industries. Roy was a member of both Ocean Park Moose and Eagles lodges. He was also a long time member of Local 701, Operating Engineers. Hunting and fishing were favorite pastimes, and he was well known for his smoked fish and meats, especially his bacon, and his cooking skills. Gardening was also enjoyed, and Roy was very proud of his working career and his knowledge of various construction matters. Roy was married three times. He is survived by sons Donald Swensen of Chinook and Les Swensen of Ilwaco; daughters Marie Olson of Chinook and Julene Swensen of Portland, OR; step-son Gene Howell of California; step-daughter Shirley Hooper of Texas; sisters Irene Sackfield of Dalles, Oregon and Helen Ashbaugh of Portland; five grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. A brother Helmer died earlier. A memorial service celebrating Roy's life will be held Saturday, November 22, 2008, 2:00 PM at Penttila's Chapel by The Sea in Long beach. A reception follows at the chapel. Graveside service will be Friday November 21,2008 at 3 PM at Hudson Park Cemetery in Rainier, Oregon. The guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.