Storke Funeral Home Obituaries

Peter Baker Swain, 90, of Bowling Green, Virginia passed away peacefully on April 10, 2023 with his wife and son by his side.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Nancy, his son Ken, his daughters LaVaughn and Penny, and his grandchildren Brandon, Colleen, Garnett, Ledley and William.

Peter was a proud US Navy Veteran; having served as a boatswains mate aboard the USS NEW. After eight years of dedicated service he received an honorable discharge in 1962.

He worked for Contel Telephone Company for 35 years, retiring in 1993. During his tenure he received numerous accolades and awards including a certificate of appreciation for providing communications support to the U.S. President Bill Clinton during his visit to A.P. Hill in 1997. He also supported communications at every National Boy Scout Jamboree held at A.P. Hill.

Peter was a committed and selfless servant to his community. For over 40 years, Peter served as a Scout Master for Bowling Green Boy Scout Troop #173 receiving the prestigious Silver Beaver Award in 2005, distinguished Scouter Award, and Alliance for Youth Hall of Fame Award. He was a member of the VFW, the United Methodist Church all his life, and a member of the Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Department for over 20 years.

Peter’s enthusiasm for life led him on countless adventures across the world. His fondness for the great wilderness took him frequently to Alaska where he crossed the Arctic Circle, hiked the Chilkoot Trail and Denali, and fished for salmon. The ultimate outdoorsman loved to camp, hunt, fish, climb, rappel, scuba dive, canoe and build ship models.

Peter could often be found tending his highly productive garden, riding on his tractors, grilling ribs by the pool, taking road trips on his scooter and hanging out with his friends at McDonald’s over a cup of coffee or a chocolate milkshake.

All who knew Peter, knew he had a heart of gold. A true patriarch and role model, Peter lived and taught traditional values of integrity, hard work, respect, kindness and love to his family, his friends and his community. Through his example, Peter has passed on his great respect for the land, the sea, and all of its creatures and resources.

Peter and Nancy shared many devoted years of love and happiness. In 2018, they renewed their vows on Sanibel Island in Florida, reaffirming their endless commitment to each other.

In honor of his life and the legacy his first great grandchild due to be born this month, will bear his name, Peter.

The family would like to thank all of his friends, neighbors, hospice, his caretakers, and the Bowling Green Rescue Squad for all the support they have received over the years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital, Alzheimer’s Association, The World Wildlife Federation or an animal shelter of your choice.

The family will receive friends at Storke Funeral Home in Bowling Green on Saturday, April 15 th from 10:00-11:00 AM followed by a service from 11:00 to 12:00.