James Bernard Swanson

James Bernard "Ben" Swanson died August 9, 2017, in Redmond, Oregon, after a short illness.

He was born in Cheyenne, on June 8, 1930 to Leo Swanson and Sophia Clements Swanson.

Ben attended school on Spring Creek, in Encampment, Rawlins and Saratoga. He served in the Army in 1950 and 1951.

Ben worked on several ranches in the Valley when he was younger. He moved to Oregon where he spent most of his adult life.

He married Betty Young. They belonged to a riding club and Ben loved going on trail ride and camping out. He also liked to go hunting. He helped raise his stepsons, Brigg, Brad and Brice.

Ben wrote cowboy poetry and performed at different events.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Betty and stepson Brigg.

He is survived by his wife Mary Kay, Sister, Iva Craig, Brothers, John (Son) and Kenneth (Alice); Stepsons Brad (Mary Jo) and Brice (Sherry) several step grandchildren and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.

Cremation has taken place and there will be no services.