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George Trotter Swanson

September 15, 1955 –
 May 11, 2022

Obituary

George Trotter Swanson

September 15, 1955 – May 11, 2022

  According to the journal, Scientific American, nearly 13,000 years ago, a fragmentary comet collided with North America, creating a massive impact and leaving in its wake large deposits of nanodiamonds. On September 15, 1955, the Earth was again rattled with the arrival of George Trotter Swanson, born on that date to Ann and George W. Swanson in Corpus Christi, Texas. George was the fourth of the Swanson’s six children; their only son and a proud, 6th-generation Texan. His unique position as the only he in a sea of shes, established George from the outset as an iconoclast, a maverick, and a renegade — reputations he would continue to burnish throughout his lifetime.   George’s formative years were spent wreaking havoc with his sisters in a large farmhouse just north of Dallas. In an attempt to salvage their own sanity, his parents moved their spirited brood to North Dallas where George graduated from St. Rita Catholic School before attending both Jesuit College Preparatory School and W.T. White High School. It was during these years that George developed his love for fast bikes, beautiful women, and risky living. After high school, he resided for a while in a teepee outside Florissant, Colorado and twice moved to Honolulu, Hawaii. At other points, he lived in Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada. His only son, James, was born in Dallas during his marriage to his first wife, Jan.   After working for several years as a photographer at a studio on Lovers Lane, George went on to become a successful entrepreneur, operating his own independent automobile repossession business. Ever the thrill seeker, he referred to his profession as “finding a way to steal cars legally”. He often advocated for the people whose vehicles he was contracted to reclaim; helping them find alternate sources of financing or potential employment opportunities. He became known to friends and clients alike as “Repo George”. After 33 years, he retired on January 4, 2020 without ever engaging in an altercation or facing a firearm, and he would frequently assert, “I don’t need firepower, I have a Higher Power!” His leisure years consisted of travelling to motorcycle rallies and attending the concerts of local blues musicians, many of whom became his close friends.   While George never quit loving bikes (he owned more than 40 motorcycles over the years) or admiring women, he did give up chasing his demons. Earlier this year, on January 4th, he celebrated 35 years of sobriety, quite an accomplishment for a guy who embraced living on the edge. He traded the wild life for a purpose-driven life. He was a double-addiction survivor, overcoming both drugs and alcohol, and was a frequent speaker at AA meetings where he regaled his audiences with his sharp wit and wicked sense of humor. He sponsored many of its members in their quest for sobriety and spent the balance of his years helping others to and through recovery.   George was predeceased by his parents, Ann and George; his younger sisters, Julia and Christina; and his beloved Great Danes, Pee Wee and Scooby Doo. He is survived by his son, James Trotter Swanson; life partner, Wanda Holsclaw; former partner and wife, Sandi Swanson; sisters, Ann, Barbra, and Maura; stepchildren, Natalie Arnold, Miranda Smith, James Thornton, Zach Holsclaw, and Ashley Stephens; step-grandchildren, Noah and Riley Thornton and Helen Stephens; family pets, BooBoo, Ava, Porkie, Pappy, Barney and Zoe; and an army of nieces, nephews, cousins and life-long friends too numerous to name. A Celebration of George’s Life will be held on June 11, 2022 from 1PM to 3PM at One Eleven Ranch Park Pavilion, 2121 East Brand Road, Garland Texas 75044. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to 24 Hour Club, a facility for men and women in recovery, at 4636 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75204. Or, online at Dallas24HourClub.org.   When a comet collides with Earth, the sheer heat and intensity of its impact transforms common coal into diamonds. George’s arrival packed a similar wallop. On our lives. He was a rare and special friend; a force of nature. And friendships like his leave in their wake memories more precious than diamonds.

    Missi. “Your sissy”
    2 Jun 2022
    4:47am

    You are so missed but I am so grateful for the indelible memories I have of you for the past 35 years. The fun, the times you talked me off the ledge, your sage wisdom, and jus you. The person George. I love you always. I am grateful I could do one loving thing for you in the end. Save me a seat-I will see you on the other side. Love you!

    Kevin Hanna
    2 Jun 2022
    8:53am

    I had the unique privilege of meeting and sitting in numerous meetings with him and I also had the Privilege of sitting in several meetings with SRV Before he was killed as well and I was also called to go help George In stealing car’s with him. He will be missed.

    May he RIP…

    2 Jun 2022
    12:21pm

    George was one of a kind and full compassion for other alcoholics. His delivery of the message was colorful and packed with wisdom. RIP George.

    2 Jun 2022
    1:02pm

    George will surely be missed. His unique style of living & serving will live on in our hearts forever. I loved his way of phrasing his words of wisdom. Profound with a sprinkle of irreverence. My kind of people.
    To all whose hearts are broken:
    May his memory bring you comfort;
    May time bring you peace.
    Ride free, George

    Dolores and Bill Rojas
    2 Jun 2022
    1:14pm

    G- damn Bill and I miss you already. Thanks for keeping everything real. And for the zillion laughs along the way. Love you brotha.

    Kathy McDaniel
    2 Jun 2022
    1:35pm

    He will be missed by so very many of us. He will be loved by so very many of us forever.

    Allison Schaffenburg
    3 Jun 2022
    2:05pm

    I never met George in person, but his words on Zoom and texts of encouragement touched me deeply. He is one of the most important people to have ever been a part of my life. I miss you every day George.

    Sunny Wrocklage
    3 Jun 2022
    4:56pm

    George, thank you for always being my friend. Thank you for talking to me in the middle of the night, crying with me at other peoples Graves, playing music for me at parties, answering questions and literally coming and getting my ass when I was in a lurch for over 20 years. You found me cars to drive, gave me a couch to sleep on, gave me advice… you were family man. Thank you. May the angels know they are blessed to have your crazy ass.

    Genie
    4 Jun 2022
    12:52am

    George although I never met you in person you did indeed have a big impact on me. I loved our little Chats and I laughed at your irreverence ! You were a great sponsor to my nephew Jack and always had wise and uplifting words for him…I will miss you my friend…ride free on Heavens High way and feel the wind beneath your wings evermore xx

    LG
    5 Jun 2022
    6:36pm

    I stumbled into Belwood for the first time in spring 2008, only a week or so sober, and Repo came up to and growled, “Are you an alcoholic, missy?” When I said yes, he thrust “How It Works” into my hand and said, “Welcome! You’re reading.” I had no idea what was going on, but from that day, we were friends. He was unfailingly supportive and kind to me, always ready to share a cigarette and a laugh. I’m grateful I knew Repo George. Rest In Peace, brother, and I’ll be seeing you at the Big Meeting in the Sky.

    Cheryl M
    6 Jun 2022
    1:21pm

    I miss you! The world is not the same without you, but then the world was so lucky to have you while you were here with us. I never heard your whole story but the person you were and the way you interacted with people, filled so many hearts with the desire to become better souls. Ride free and Rest In Peace, George. Thanks for being my zoom buddy! What a blessing you have been.

    Becky B
    10 Jun 2022
    7:06am

    Repo, you are part of the light that brightened our journey through recovery. It wasn’t always easy, your experience and wisdom was inspiring and challenging to say the least. We met in the rooms of the program, and those rooms are going the have a huge void now. Outside the rooms I also knew a man of humor and compassion for those that struggled with all kinds of different issues. The day you passed I sent you a text and you didn’t reply. I went to Facebook and saw that you had started your new journey into the light. God’s grace is already upon you. Always your friend

    Jodi Jenkins
    10 Jun 2022
    4:15pm

    George was truly a brother to me and so many others. His advice, his wit, and his unconditional love are what I will always remember. Sure do miss our talks, my friend.

    Randy
    11 Jun 2022
    3:04pm

    George,

    You always made me feel welcome, appreciated and relaxed when we spent time with you and my mom. I have a lot of fond memories of spending time with you driving around, drinking Dr. Peppers, and you imparting some wisdom on me. You treated me like a peer and not like the awkward teen that I was, and that was really nice. You introduced me to some really cool movies, always trying to make sure I was comfortable and engaged when we would visit. You would also go out of your way to take my sisters and me to see my mom when she was at work, which I know meant a lot to her and it made for some good memories. You were sensitive and kind to me, which I very much appreciated.

    Your friends and pets and family love you and miss you.

    Love,
    Randy

    Brendaleee
    25 Sep 2022
    3:10pm

    Repo, my heart shattered into a million pieces this morning. The last time we messaged on FB you had just been diagnosed and weren’t fazed one bit. We laughed and talked and you pep talked me about my situation. You made me feel loved and wanted in the purest most noble way. I’m so glad I let my wall down enough to tell you how very much I loved you and what you and your ear meant to me in the few short years we “talked” on FB. I’m so sorry life got in my way and I lost you during this time. Please forgive me and keep looking over me as now some things that have been happening here in my home and life make sense. I feel you’ve probably already met my mom lol I love you Repo you were and are a gem.
    To Repo’s family, thank you so much for letting him love and help so many. I recognised some of your names and never a bad word spoken for sure he loved you all so very much.

    SHARYL Place FIELDS
    10 May 2023
    10:37pm

    How ironic and NOT a coincidence that I should out of the blue, suddenly HAVE TO/NEED TO find your obituary listed online right now this minute cuz I saw a picture of you in my photos file saved on my phone! I believe it was the very last time I saw you! You were headed to do an impt repo in Louisiana I believe! 💰
    Long Live Repo MEN (& Repo Chicks) 💋 “Oh, FatherGod, We Praise You! I pray right now, in agreement…Thank You, Lord, for watchin over us! Keeping us safe in dangerous situations, perilous times; taking such great care of us & our dedicated canine partners!”🐩🦮Miss U often, Repo George! Please don’t😍tell Sandy but I loved you ever since the first time we met; 1990 💔 You welcomed 👋me to💨 In-the-Wind Group when I was fixin to turn 21! Counted-on seeing you around all those years, Man! 🗣😪😷
    👣🙏My God is such a TRIP!💥WOW!🪝💋✌️It’s the anniversary of your passing!

    MaryTV
    1 Nov 2023
    11:54pm

    My first kiss at 15. With a dose of mono! We explored Willow Bend Creek in Dallas together, braving a sea of water mocassins. Then you vanished from Jesuit, and me, with no explanation but your pain and shame…

    Gone, but never forgotten for the kind person you are. Here I am, 50 years later, wanting to know what became of you, dear Friend, and knowing from these testimonies that you lived and loved well.

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"I can’t say enough about how helpful and professional Dusty Martin, the funeral director at the Aria Cremation location on NW Highway has been. From my initial call, he was kind and informative. My friend died at home while on hospice and she was picked up in about an hour after receiving the call from the hospice nurse. The person who arrived to pick her up was also very professional/respectful and allowed us to take as much time with her as we wished. When I met with Dusty the next day about arrangements, he explained the process and options available without being pushy or trying to “sell” extras. Throughout the process, he kept me informed and, for example, was careful to be certain I understood the cost of the obituary I wanted and offered some options for reducing that cost if I wished. When I stopped by for another reason and started talking about some of the problems I was having with the pictures and media I hoped to use at a memorial lunch I was planning, he not only listened patiently but offered technology advice and let me use his personal media player. I have had experience arranging cremations for four others using two other local companies, and this experience with Dusty at Aria has been by far the best one I have had."
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"My Daddy’s service and our family experience at Aria Northwest Highway was truly blessed. Funeral Director Dustin Martin is the kind of person that you would like to see on a more regular basis – but in his industry – you hope to not see him that often. That being said – THANK YOU DUSTIN for your unending kindness, compassion and friendship through the process. Meeting you and discussing Dallas History, Find A Grave and my Dad’s lifelong contributions to the great City of Dallas was simply wonderful! In memory of my dad James A. Dodd, Sr. – I want to personally thank you and let you know that you made everything better in that moment. Your calling to “Be There” is spot on. Aria has a one in a million guy in you! Bling Blinky of TEXAS Shout Out: God Bless You!!"
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