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Joe Cronin posted a condolence
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Right after completing Ranger school with my A-Team, I went through HALO school as Dr. Swan’s two man buddy team partner. We immediately became good buddies and shared many hours “hanging out” together. He was obviously a very humble person, for he never mentioned any of his monumental accomplishments through his life. I just recently discovered his passing and was very moved. He was a great person who did great things for humanity and I’m very proud and honored just to have shared part of his life with him. I will never forget Dr. Swan!
Respectfully,
Joe Cronin, Maj./15 years of service with the 5th, 6th, 11th and 20th SFG (ABN)
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Sandra Moss posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
On behalf of the Medical History Society of New Jersey, we extend our deepest condolences to Betsy and Ken's entire family. Ken was our recent past president and a fine historical scholar in the fields of surgical history and military medical history. He mentored a score or more of young doctors-in-training as they discovered an interest in the history of their profession -- they will never forget Ken and many of them will honor his memory by making further contributions to the history of medicine. In May, Ken was to receive our Society's award for lifetime achievement in the history of medicine -- we are deeply saddened that it must be awarded posthumously. We are thinking tonight of his wonderful, gracious Betsy (who came to many of our meetings). Our society has lost an outstanding scholar, a true gentlemen, and a great mentor.
Sandra Moss
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Carl Kraus posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
I want to offer my most sincere condolences to the family of Dr. Swan. He was an extraordinary teacher who truly cared for his students and tirelessly worked to improve their education. I was privileged enough to experience his teaching first hand, and will never forget his inspirational lectures and his infinite patience and willingness to address every students' question. The NJMS community was incredibly fortunate to be graced by a man so dedicated to his country, to his students, and to the well being of his patients.
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Maria & Ken Cooley posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
We wish to express our deepest sympathy to Betsy and the Swan family in the passing of Dr. Swan. It was our privilege and honor to have crossed paths with Dr. Swan through the marriage of our nephew to his daughter, Stephanie. From the moment we met him, we knew we were in the presence of an extraordinary man. Our prayers are with you.
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Victor Parsonnet posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
A most sad day for all who new him. His impact on surgery students will live on for years to come. He was a great teacher at every level, and a fine colleague.
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Allan Baldwin posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Dear Betsy,
What a shock! And, whether
anticipated or not, his being gone
must be very hard for you!
Ken was in my thoughts and prayers in recent weeks, praying that the Lord would be a great presence to him.
If there is anything besides praying for you and your children, let me know what we can do. We remember well the reunion at Sage Hill some years ago, when Ken and your son rode into camp on their motorcycles. Diane took a picture of the bikes parked side by side near the Nature House.
Ken was such a special person in so many ways, and I always counted it a privilege to have him as a friend. In High School we shared many wonderful experiences in football, polevaluting and especially scouting. Ken was my
tent-mate several years at Sage Hill Camp; he was the one who introduced me to the world of birds, especially raptors. I've often mentioned to people Ken's pet crows and Broadwing Hawk which
accompanied him one summer. . . .
It has been good to be in touch with Ken from time to time over the
years. I will miss Ken so much.
Our love to you, Betsy,
Allan and Diane Baldwin
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Trina and Jeff Ranalli posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this very difficult time.
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Dorian J. Wilson posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Most of all, Kenneth G. Swan was my Mentor, Colleague and Friend. I will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Betsy Swan and the Swan Family.
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Andrew de la Torre posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Dr Swan was a giant, a surgeon's surgeon; pure grace under pressure. He took me through the most amazing cases as a resident and always kept his cool. In his day, he was the definition of "Trauma surgeon", multiple tours in Viet Nam, but never bragged or was cocky. He helped me do my first liver resection, let me struggle through my first meso caval shunt, but always guided me out of harms way. I will miss him dearly
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Daniel Cannizzo posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Dr. Swan was a pillar of our church, Wyoming Presbyterian Church, and always had a smile and interest in everyone and everything happening. Always engaged and always caring. he will be sorely missed.
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Michael Zelekovic posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
An outstanding person, and an outstanding life
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Edwin Reeves posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
As a fellow Vietnam Veteran to a "Hero"! Rest Easy "Warrior" ! Go with "God" ! Even tho didn't know you personnaly i knew you as my "Brother" ! We chewed some of the same dirt as "Soldier's"! God Bless and God Speed Sir ! Master Sergeant Edwin W. Reeves US Army retired....Go with "God"....
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Rick Walter posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
I offer my sincere condolences to the Swan family. Ken's remarkable professional and civic influences will be felt for generations and serve as inspiration to others. It was a privilege to know him.
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Jed Kwartler posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
I am sorry for your loss and hope that his memory will be a blessing and comfort to your whole family. I was lucky to have Dr. Swan touch my life as a teacher, both during medical school and as a surgical resident. His kindness coupled with his dry sense of humor were always appreciated by me as a fledgling aspiring surgeon.
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Keith Barrett, M.D. posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
We've lost a great man, mentor, and friend. He engendered respect from all who met him. He will be sorely missed.
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Stephen Sun posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Ken Swan has touched so many students' lives at NJMS, I am one of the lucky ones. I remember him standing in front of our classroom sharing his slides of the contents of the black bag and the surgeons who are Nobel prize winners. I remember sitting across the table in his office as he explained the expectations of a student research project as a professor who always had time for a student. I remember his humility and cordiality that he showed in the operating room with all the members of the operating team during my rotations. I remember his walk into the OR to serve as an expert consult for a tough case and the aura of respect and rescue that "Ken" had arrived. I remember having dinner with him in New Orleans after presenting a student research paper and listening to him share his stories of Vietnam that he did not enjoy recalling. That was 18 years ago and I remember it like it was yesterday. I will miss him dearly but I will remember him forever.
NJMS' 96
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Thomas and Patricia Crann posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Dear Betsy and Family,
We send you are deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. God Bless you all.
Respectfully,
Thomas and Patricia Crann
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Geraldine Thompson-Oneal posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Truly a man of many hats I will never forget his soft spoken words of encouragement, respect & knowledge shared freely to all. One of the last of his kind. Your work is done.My deepest condolence to Betsey, KJ and family.
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CASSANDRA (SANDY) DANIELS posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
HE WAS A MENTOR, HE WAS A FRIEND, HE WAS AN AMAZING PERSON, I WILL MISS HIM. SLEEP WELL DR. SWAN.
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David Kahn posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
"We stand on the shoulders of giants"- Isaac Newton. Dr. Swan was a mentor and hero to myself and many others. I am where I am today in part because I trained under Dr Swan. Condolences to his family, and to all those whose lives he touched.
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Dani Nardone posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
hi roonie...(and mrs. swan, K.G. and deb)
I remember being at the house one day and you and your sister were kinda 'yelling' at your dad b/c when he would go running he would wear Keds (or the like; NOT running sneaks!) you guys kept telling him to get real sneakers and he just kinda, well, blew you off. always makes me chuckle when I think of that. And I remember that same day when I heard him say something, you could tell it was a quote, and I turned to you and said, "Patton?" "Yeah." you said, and gave me a look like, he quotes that guy all the time! he is the only other person I knew who quoted Patton besides my dad. always makes me laugh now too. it's funny the things that you remember...
I remember him soooo tired at your apartment before graduation. I remember my mom's reaction when she found out we were all sitting together. "Oh! He was on 60 Minutes!!!" She was like a star struck teenager!
I have good funny memories. That is how I remember your dad.
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Omar Baig posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” ― Thomas Campbell
My deepest condolences to Dr. Swan's family. He shall always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace.
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Rica Sommer posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
My son remembers an epic birthday party for Dr Swan's grandson. He spoke of Dr Swan's military strategy in a mock battle involving nerf guns and victory. "It was just awesome!!!" my son remembered enthusiastically.
I remember him as a man of great intelligence. He spoke with a quiet demeanor and conviction. His eyes twinkled when he spoke on a subject with passion. he will be missed.
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Morium Akthar, MD posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Dr.Swan will be dearly missed. He was one of the many reasons I wanted to do surgery. I remember his black bag and public exsanguination lectures. I remember his great attention to the physical exam, and am able to say I've taken a lot from his knowledge, demeanor, and skills. I've learned a lot from this great legend.
NJMS Class of 2010
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Bruce Swan, Jr. posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
With deep sadness and fond memories of a wonderful Uncle.
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Michael Nevins posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
A great loss of an inspirational leader to so many students at UMDNJ and to the MHSNJ which he headed with such dedication and skill.
Michael Nevins, MD
President, MHSNJ
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Asha Bale posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
I was privileged to have Dr. Swan as my teacher, mentor, colleague and friend. He was my role model and always showed me support. I have so many great memories of him- I remember most his kindness, his generosity, his all encompassing clinical talent, his story-telling skills, his humor and quick wit, his patience and the list goes on. I will be inspired by him and miss him forever. To his family- We are all so lucky to have had him in our lives- Wishing you peace in this difficult time.
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R. Scott Johnson posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
To the family of Dr. Ken Swan,
He taught me at UMDNJ and we wrote an article together. He was a great man, and I will never forget his kindness and how he was so beloved by his students.
My sincere condolences to you for your loss,
Scott Johnson
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VIctor Marques posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
My condolences to the Swan family.
Dr. Swan,
You were a true gentleman, scholar, and friend who touched the lives of everyone who came in contact with you. Thank you for making work pleasant. I will miss you immensely.
Victor Marques
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Anthony J Rodriguez posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
My deepest condolences for the whole Swan family. May God bless you and give you the strength and peace to pull through this difficult time. Dr. Swan was a beautiful person and great man, he loved to teach and help others always, as much as he could. He will be terribly missed by all the staff, friends, colleagues and especially his students. He has touched so many lives through out his lifetime! It still feels he was taken to soon, may he be with God watching over all the people he loved! God bless you and may the peace that only God can give be with you always.
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Michael King, MD posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Dr. Swan was a great and inspiring mentor whose dedication to his patients, teaching and his students was unsurpassed. He was a true patriot and hero in service to his country and our medical school.His passing is a great loss for his family and for the medical school community.
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Sanjeev Kaul & Shubha Varma posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Ken Swan, the original MASH unit surgeon at Newark. The ultimate mentor, gentleman and fearless surgeon at NJ med school. He epitomized elegance and grace both inside and outside the operating room. This fragrant soul will be missed greatly. Condolences to Betsy, KG and the rest of us.
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Eric Breitbart posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Deepest of condolences to Dr. Swan's family and friends. One of the finest teachers, surgeons, and overall good and genuine people the world has ever seen, and will be missed by all whose lives he has touched.
Eric Breitbart: NJMS class of 2009, NJMS Orthopedics Residency 2014
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Michele Miller posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
My fondest memories are the many long conversations we would have about hunting, falconry, painting, his motorcycle adventures, his grandchildren and KG. His soft voice and wisdom captivated me for what seemed to be hours. His days in the trauma room were simply moments of embracing excellence for those of us fortunate to have worked in HIS O.R. My deepest condolences for your family.
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Richard A. Watson, M.D., COL MC USA - retired posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Professor Swan was the epitome of the Hippocratic physician and surgeon. He inspired us both by his word and his example - a true gentleman, a great teacher, a deeply caring physician, a devoted husband and father/grandfather, and a proud American. The world is a far better, kinder place for his having been with us.
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Nicole Fox MD posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Dr. Swan was an incredible teacher, mentor and friend. He inspired me to pursue a career in trauma surgery and encouraged me every step of the way. I am grateful that I knew him and learned from him. He is on the list of people in my life that I will never forget.
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Allan L Markus MD posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
One honorable surgeon, teacher, and human. He was a superb medical educator who truly was an expert in his field and left an impression on many of us who were at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School even if we did not go into surgery. He set a standard for others to live up to. My condolences to his family and friends.
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Everett K Spees,MD posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
I will always remember Ken's intellect, enthusiasm, and kindness. We did a research paper together at Walter Reed Institute of Research, and met often at meetings. He will be greatly missed.
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David Jaques posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Dear Betsy,
Just a note of sadness and appreciation for the loss of a really superb teacher. I had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Swan at WRAIR during the summer of 1972 as a premedical student. My first publication "Adrenergic Mechanisms in the hindlimb of the baboon" was written with him. I knew it then, but appreciated even more later in my Surgical career, how impressive a leader and thinker Dr. Swan was. He made a difference in my life and I will remain eternally grateful. I will tell him that again one day. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. His absence must be as incredibly evident as his presence was.
David
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Ted Copeland posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
I was saddened by the death of Ken. He and I shared several experiences: Graduates of Cornell; his brother Roy; AOA; Viet Nam overlapping tours; friendship in national societies; and one not well known. In 1970,I had the honor of editing multiple operations on battlefield causalities filmed by Ken to create a teaching file on abdominal and thoracic injuries for the Army (credits for the two of us were not included!).
Ken was a man in search of the truth. At my age, I cannot say this about many people. Those who follow Ken will have a difficult time living up to his legacy.
Edward M. Copeland, III MD
Past President of the American College of Surgeons
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Carol Pagliara posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Dear Betsy, Steph, Deb and K.G., we are all so sorry to hear about Dr. Swan. Lou and I just wanted you to know we are thinking of you all in this absolutely devastating time. Carol
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Jerry/Annette/Chris Auriemma posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Any loss in our CHS wrestling family is terrible, no matter what the relationship is. We are terribly sorry for your loss, and know you are in our prayers, and thoughgts
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Frank F. Katz posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Ken was a wonderful person to have known and to have worked with. He will, of course, be sorely missed by his wife and family but also by all who knew him. My sincere sympathies to Betsy and Ken's family. May his memory be a blessing and a source of support.
Frank Katz
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Christopher Sabatino posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Dr. Swan was a great mentor and wonderful person. He will be greatly missed. I'm not sure if they make them like him anymore. I am where I am today because he had the patience to listen to my struggles and the wisdom to help me see the bigger picture. I'm certainly not the only person he helped guide to better things.
Chris Sabatino
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CPT Justin E. Metz posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Dr. Swan was a great leader and wonderful man. He will be greatly missed. As a member of the medical community and Military service he greatly impacted the lives of so many. Your family is in my toughts and prayers.
CPT Justin E. Metz
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Ranie Koshy, MD posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Deeply saddned and shocked at a great loss. Your gentle smile, warmth, wisdon and support will be very much missed especially at our Blood Utilization committee. It is a void very hard to fill.
Bless you and Peace!
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Deborah Pedretti posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
There never has been nor ever will be another man who has impacted my life personally as well as professionally, as Dr. Kenneth G. Swan. I had the privilege to work for him, every day, for 14 years. He was a positive role model in every sense of the word. He was the epitome of a gentleman, a scholar and humanitarian. He will be missed more than words can ever express. I was truly blessed to have known him as well as his entire family.
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Bartholomew J Tortella posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Farewell to our true & trusted friend, mentor and superb surgeon. Ken was notable as a mentor & inspiration to me. I was always in awe of his command of surgery and surgical history. We thank him for his service to our Country, our Academic Surgical Community & his patients.
K
Kormakur Hognason posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
I offer my sincere condolences to Dr. Swan's family. I had the joy and honor of collaborating as a co-author on a manuscript with Dr. Swan. We spoke on the phone recently when I spoke with him recently and able to tell him that the article just got accepted for publication.
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George Dikdan posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
I will always remember the frequent conversations I had and enjoyed with Dr. Swan in the many years I have known him. It was always a pleasure to help him since he was always so thankful and gracious. My wife recalls Dr. Swan introducing himself to her at an event and she was immediately struck by his warmth and class. We will sorely miss him!!!
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Benjamin Bly posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
I remember Dr. Swan as a wonderful teacher with no hint of cynicism or world-weariness after decades as a teaching physician. His open and straight-forward manner were impressive given his long and eminent career. I have the sense that he was the same person in all his dealings with students, patients, and colleagues, and he was without any pretense. A most humane physician, I feel privileged to have known him.
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Kyle Soltys posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Dr Swan was one of the first mentors to teach me as much about being a patient's doctor as being a their surgeon. A true hero for so many and a tremendous loss... my sincere condolences to his entire family.
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Barbara Oneill posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
My sincerest condolences on the loss of Ken. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
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Kormakur Hognason posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
I offer my sincere condolences to Dr. Swan's family. I had the joy and honor of collaborating as a co-author on a manuscript with Dr. Swan. We spoke on the phone recently and I was able to tell him that the article just got accepted for publication.
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Vivek Kanumuri posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Dr. Swan was an unbelievable teacher and mentor. He remains one of the most inspirational figures that I have encountered in my lifetime and his passing is a loss to the entire community. I offer my sincerest condolences
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Betty Merrell posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
As a fellow graduate in the Class of
'52 of Scarsdale High School, the
respect I had for Ken went back to
high school. He accomplished so much
in his almost 80 years and I send my
condolences to his wife and family at this difficult time. May God
bless you all. Betty Merrell
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Bill Staehle posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
When I first met Ken Swan and quickly noticed his master parachutist lapel pin, I knew we’d be instant friends, and we were for over 35 years. Ken was a one-of-a-kind individual – a consummate professional, highly skilled, kind and caring almost to a fault, patriotic, loyal, a man of faith, and never one to wear his ego on his sleeve. For all of Ken’s professional and military accomplishments, Ken clearly held his love for Betsy and their children above all of them. He was the only person I’ve ever known whose curriculum vitae begins with the names and vital statistics of his immediate family members and not with a description of his illustrious educational and professional achievements. Emerging from all of his knowledge and experience was a deep, dry and clever sense of humor. The loss we all feel from untimely losing this extraordinary man is enormous. May God bless Ken and his family.
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Patrick Morcillo posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Dr Kenneth Swan was a humble person despite his great knowledge and accomplishments. He always treated people with respect, and thus, I deeply respected him. He had class, was friendly, and always ready to lend an ear.
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Rachael Springer posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
"Chance favors the prepared mind." ~Louis Pasteur. One of Dr Swan's favorite quotes he would say during his lectures. He was an amazing teacher, mentor, and surgeon. He had a big and gentle heart. He took me under his wings and guided me on my path to becoming a surgeon. Dr Swan's legacy lives on in those that he has touched, trained, and healed throughout the years. My heart goes out to his family.
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Janet posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Dr. Swan was a caring and compassionate physician and in his years teaching hundreds of medical students he passed on those lessons of clinical duty and love. We will remember. Condolences to the Swan family and friends.
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Edward Wei posted a condolence
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Dr Swan was one of the greatest teachers I have ever had the privilege to learn from. I will never forget the style and manner in which he taught and inspired all of his students. Best Wishes, Edward -NJMS Class of 2012
973-762-2200 (Jacob A. Holle Funeral Home)
973-762-1133 (Preston Funeral Home)
jacobhhollefh@aol.com
prestonfh@aol.com
2122 Millburn Ave | Maplewood, NJ | 07040
153 South Orange Ave. | South Orange NJ | 07079
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