Eric Gerald Swanson

Eric Gerald Swanson, of Hopkins, Minnesota died in his sleep on May 19. Eric was born on March 27, 1975 and lived a spirited life in Plymouth, MN and, later, in Hopkins. He graduated from Hopkins High School where he was co-captain of the swim team and a trumpet player in the jazz band. Majoring in Religion and Political Science, Eric graduated from St. Olaf College and attended law school at the University of St. Thomas. Having an irrepressible spirit, Eric loved debating matters of politics and the state of our world. He loved his family, his pets William and Frida, travel (especially to Thailand and other parts of Asia), music, the Vikings, gardening, fishing, and the family cabin on Kego Lake.

Eric is survived by his parents Gerald (Jack) and Kathy Swanson; his sisters and brothers in law Christina (Craig) Johnson of Northfield, and Anna (Tim) Peterson of Durango, Colorado; his nieces Emma and Inga and nephew Anders Johnson; Aunt Deanna Fink; Aunt Linda Malberg and her family; and special friend Tracy Riekenberg and her children.

We all loved him and will miss his exuberant spirit. May we all remember and act upon one of Eric’s favorite quotes: “Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind" (Henry James).

An informal open house gathering to celebrate Eric will occur on July 9, 4 - 7 at the Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Main Street, Hopkins.

In lieu of flowers, please direct any memorials in Eric’s name to the ACLU, the Democratic Party, or the Animal Humane Society of Golden Valley.