Allan H. Swanson

Allan H. Swanson, 84, of Candia, NH, passed away peacefully on Dec 19, 2023 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH. He was born in 1939 in Manchester, NH. Allan is survived by his wife Jean (Kerbel) Swanson as well as his former spouse Pam (Weickmann), their daughter Kim and husband,  Sam; son Kevin and wife, Autumn; 3 grandchildren: Emily, Olivia, Gabby, niece and great nieces, nephews, many great nephews, sister Joann Halloran and his two trusted Brittany’s Dottie & Ginger.

He was predeceased by his father Harry Swanson; mother Florina (Boulanger) Swanson, niece and great-niece, Barbara & Brooke Willis, nephew Tom Maxfield and several aunts and uncles.

After graduating from Towle High School in Newport, NH, he attended Kimball Union Academy, UNH and Wentworth Institute, where he earned a degree in Architectural Technology. After graduation from Wentworth Allan joined the Army National Guard and was deployed in active duty from 1961-1962. He continued to serve until 1966.

Allan settled in Nashua, NH where he started a family with his first wife Pamela. The family enjoyed vacations at Moody Beach, ME; weekend ski adventures at King Ridge, and a small “friends and family” maple sugaring operation at their camp in Washington, NH. Allan built an amazing tree house there for all the kids to enjoy.

Allan loved the outdoors and found solace in nature. He loved hunting, fishing, woodworking and flying his Cessna as well as spending time with his two Brittany dogs. His knowledge of Parker Shotguns was shared with many and he enjoyed his time shooting, collecting and serving in several Board positions for the Parker Gun Collectors Association and the Parker Gun Foundation. His thirty years as Treasurer will remain indispensable to the growth of the organization.

Allan was most proud of his surveying and engineering business, Allan H Swanson, Inc., in Nashua, NH and its continued success. Under his watch, the company grew to nearly 50 employees and was instrumental in many developments in the Nashua and southern NH region. The company is still in existence today with the name “Hayner-Swanson” where several original employees still hold positions. He was an active member of the community and served on many boards in Nashua such as the Nashua Country Club, bank and hospital boards as well as Pennichuck Water Works.

After a divorce in the early 90’s Allan moved to Weathersfield, VT where he met Jean and built a beautiful home.  He enjoyed many years as a member of the private Blue Mountain Forest Association (Corbin Park) where he reveled in hunting  and entertaining many of their friends. Allan & Jean enjoyed their dogs, canoeing, fishing and their lake home in northern Maine, as well as travel and a new home in Candia, NH.

Allan was a mentor and an inspiration to many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.  He will always be remembered for his sense of humor and storytelling, legendary lobster bakes, the ability to master anything he put his mind to, his exceptional woodworking skills, strong work ethic and love of the outdoors. 

A celebration of Allan's life will be held on Sunday, May 19 at 3:00 PM at the Nashua Country Club, 25 Fairway St. Nashua, NH 03060. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the Springfield Humane Society, 401 Skitchewaug Trail, Springfield, VT 05156 or the Woodie Wheaton Land Trust, 2 Grove Road, Forest City ME 04413.