Kenneth Swanson Obituary

I worked with Ken as a fellow library administrator in the cooperative project of the Library Cable Network. Ken had the big picture vision of what cable programming could do for libraries and their patrons and headed the LCN for more than a decade. I particularly recall his terrific sense of humor and adept ability at creative segues when we got off topic.

Ken was a good colleague and friend among North Suburban area library administrators and, I believe, I true visionary when cable TV arrived in the suburbs in the early 1980s. He was a founding member and the first President of the Library Cable Network (later Library Production Studio), which was a successful public library cooperative effort for 25+ years. One always felt that Ken yearned to be behind a camera himself, and after his retirement, he developed this interest much further via his photography classes at Truman College. Prospect Heights Public Library hosted a show of Ken's large photos in May 2011, so it was particularly sad to learn of his sudden passing. Ken's craftsmanship and care certainly showed in his photos. This will be missed along with his long-term perspectives on libraries and life. May he rest in peace!

I worked for Ken in the administrative office at the Indian Trails Public Library until he retired in 1996. His leadership allowed me to grow within the organization and I appreciated his guidance during those years. One of my many fond memories of Ken was him preparing and serving the Holiday "Glug" Punch at the staff's annual holiday party. It was a favorite treat!
Ken, you will be missed.

Ken was both a mentor and a support to me as new librarian. I learned so much from him. In retirement I think he found a passion that really sustained him. I was impressed with how he pursued learning every aspect of digital photography and created some very compelling and complicated compositions. We'd meet periodically for lunch at the Botanic Garden and he would share his latest creations. The last time I saw Ken was at his photography show/reception at Truman College. His photographs were wonderful! And he was as joyful as I've ever seen him. I will really miss Ken.

I knew Ken from darkroom over the last eight years. He helped me understand and learn through gentle guidance, always with a carefulness not to dilute or pollute my own vision. A fellow Chicagoan and Edgewater neighbor, serendiptity would cause our paths to cross several times – on the el, lakefront, Art Institute– a few minutes to exchange thoughts about the weather or art - though seemingly trivial - these moments with Ken were important threads in my life's fabric. He was a gentle, generous and kind man. I miss him.

Ken will be greatly missed in our darkroom class at Truman. Every Wednesday - like clockwork he would arrive early, usually with an interesting book he wanted to share with us. He would leave the book for each of us to look at - and if you wanted to take it home, he'd say "bring it to me next week". Then he would take out his negatives, go into the darkroom, to the same enlarger each week, which was across from mine. He would then begin the laborious task of printing the perfect - and I mean perfect - print. It as always fun to see what would put into that tray each week, He was an inspiration to us all and I don't think that darkroom will ever be the same without him.

Hello to the family of Ken. I was in Ken's photo class and digital photo class at Truman College. All of us who knew him for years, and knew the work he did in photography grew to respect and care deeply for him. Please include us if there is any memorial in the Chicago area. We will miss him and all of his knowledge in art, opera, and his love of learning.
Marcia Gustafson

You were a very special friend a long time ago.

Barbara