Murray Philip Swanson Sr.

Mr. Murray Philip Swanson Sr. age 69 of Farmington, New Mexico passed from this life on Friday February 14, 2025. He was born on June 5, 1955, in Raton, New Mexico to the late Wallace Leonard Swanson Sr. and Juanita Marie Chavez. 

When you met Murray Swanson the first time you had made a friend for life. There was the smile and the kind face and a genuine want to help people. He would be the first to stop if he saw a person break down on the side of the road, and if he did not know how to help, he knew of a person who could. Everyone was considered family. Even in death he has contributed to helping people as he was and organ donor. If he was not working on mechanizing for the city of Raton or selling parts at NAPA for 15+ years before he had to retire. He was spending time with family fishing, camping, boating, and in his younger years he would be hunting. If it had to do with the outdoors, he would have been up for it. He was awarded a prestigious award for the city of Raton that involved drinking water and he was proud of that. He organized pool tournaments as he was an avid player. Music was a big part of his life. You could hear it on summer eves drifting through the neighborhood. In 1994 he managed a local band in Raton. Murray and Julie spent many weekends dancing the night away. He was proud of his New Mexico heritage. Green Chile season found him on deck roasting the green pods and the aroma of green chile drawing the neighbors over to the Swanson's for food, drink, laughter, and memories. He was also proud to be a football fan. He fiercely defended his beloved Vikings in a family full of Green Bay Packer and Denver Broncos fans. He would always say when they missed the play offs "well there is always next Year."

He was proud to serve his country in the Navy where his older brother served, and he wanted to follow in his footsteps. Murray you will be missed as you have touched many lives, and the few snippets that have been shared here only show a small part of what you mean to people who knew and loved you.

Murray was preceded in death by his brother Charles "Thumper" Swanson. Surviving are his wife Julie D. Swanson of Farmington; sons; Murray P. Swanson Jr. of Colorado, Nathaniel L. Swanson and David M. Swanson both of Farmington. Daughters Ashley D. (Travis) Meidinger of Miles City, Montana., Emilie L. Crossley of Spokane, Washington. Grandchildren; Kyson Meidinger of Miles City, Marcos Swanson of Farmington and Denise Montoya of Albuquerque. His brothers David Swanson of Raton, Michael Swanson of Monterey, California, and Wallace (Wally) Swanson.

Per Murray's wishes cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life with be held at a later date. Services have been entrusted to Farmington Funeral Home, Farmington, NM