Ernest Milton Swartz

August 6, 1948 – September 27, 2026

Ernie, affectionately known as Ern, Dad, and Popi, has joined the Ancestors - old friends he knows well. He passed away peacefully at Emanuel Hospital in Portland, OR on Sunday, September 27, 2026; he was 78. Family was present at his death and throughout the weekend following a stroke two days prior.

He was born in West Chester, PA to Ernest F. and Wanda (Baugher) Swartz, the fourth of seven children. He met Mary Lois in 1963 when he moved to Harrisonburg, VA as a dorm student to attend Eastern Mennonite High School. They both graduated Class of 1966 and married on December 22, 1967.

Ernie attended Eastern Mennonite College, obtaining a BS Degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry in 1970. (His science trivia never faded.)

After graduation, Ern and Mare moved to New York City, where he was employed by NYU Medical Center to fulfill his conscientious objector service; his last position there was as Research Administrator in Bellevue Department of Pediatrics. In 1974 they moved back to Harrisonburg where he took a position at Eastern Mennonite High School, teaching chemistry, biology, earth science, and photography. His relationships with students sparked his interest in counseling, and in 1980 he enrolled in the Masters of Social Work program at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, receiving his degree in 1982. Over the next 25 years, Ernie drew from his deep well of compassion at Chesterfield Mental Health Center (Schizophrenia Day Treatment Program and later the Crisis Intervention Team) and as a skilled therapist, with specialties in trauma, EMDR, and dissociative identity disorder. In 2015, Ernie retired as a therapist from the Day Treatment Program at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland, OR, where they had moved to be near their daughters. His roles as husband, Dad and Popi were his proudest accomplishments.

Ernie was never bored. People were fascinated by his varied interests, often referred to as “his phases.” He wasn’t one to dabble, being more of a Patiently Learn it, Religiously Practice It, Humbly Master It kind of guy. Such phases included, but were not limited to: photography and painting (peaked in the 70s), marathons (he ran 6), music, gardening, and wood sculpting (90’s obsessions, the latter exploring the shapes and symbolism of infinity, feminine forms, and family.) His most recent passion for genealogy was a mix of his intense curiosity and infinite patience.

Life-long hobbies permeated the decades. His love of birding started in high school, with Mary Lois following him around Park Woods. Few people could beat him at Scrabble, the love of the game inherited from his mother. A traditional Japanese torii and stunning decks for hosting friends at his Chester and Portland homes showcased his craftsmanship.

Ernie’s love for Mary and his family was never a phase. He will be remembered for his kindness and purity of heart; for his quiet joy and abiding attention. Ernie was gentle and genuine, someone who made us feel special and seen. His knowledge was vast, matched by a breadth of empathy the span of an albatross. He modeled exceptional self-care and coached us to play chess, tie a knot, and drive stick shift. Popi taught Sellah peace. Rohnan loved seeing Popi cut a blueberry into fourths. Parker enjoyed the many hours they spent drawing together.

He is survived by wife (of 59 years) Mary, two daughters, Lori Swartz Eberly and Katie Furia (Joe), his grandchildren Sellah Eberly (21), Rohnan Eberly (19), and Parker Furia (9) and his siblings, Jane Keener (John VanOsdol), Helen Mast (Larry), Sharon Maust, Stan (Ann), brother-in-law Mark Zimmerman, as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and older sister, Karene (Zimmerman), who likely threw out the welcome mat.

A Celebration of Life will be planned for Spring 2027. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the World Forestry Center in Portland, Oregon, an organization that reflects and protects his love of the natural world. Ernie’s legacy, like those infinity sculptures he shaped with his hands, continues for all who had the privilege to be listened to or loved by his healing presence.