IN MEMORIAM: Michael Swatling, 71;
Pursued 50-Year Career In Logging
CHERRY VALLEY – Michael Kurth Swatling, 71, who pursued a 50-year career in logging, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse.
He was born Aug. 16, 1947, in Herkimer to Roy K. Swatling and Elizabeth M. (Schroeder) Swatling.
The Swatling family put down roots in Fly Creek in 1960, where Mike would eventually graduate high school, start his business and raise a family.
He started in the timber industry when he was still a teenager, and spent the next more than 50 years perfecting his craft. He was proudly “logging it” until the end.
Mike was an avid race fan and spent many years in the dirt racing circuit. He never met a stranger and was always happy to share a story, a laugh and a coffee.
Those that knew him have heard more than one of his “sayings.” He was affectionately known by many names: MK, Big Mike, Spike, The Silver Tongued Devil and “The Professor.”
Mike was the guy you called whenever you needed something and we were all lucky to have him in our corner.
He is survived by his children, Michael (Carrie) Swatling, Joshua Onyan, Rachael (Marty) Sarafin, Kala (John) Jablonski, Amanda Swatling, Nicole (Corey) Robbins; grandchildren, Sophia, Rowan, Avalyn, Royce, Michael, Gillian, Addison, Alexis, Oliver, Samuel, Benjamin, Henry, Madison, Olivia, and Bella; siblings, Susan Swatling, Peter Swatling, Barbara (Hector) Griswold, and Tom (Kristi) Swatling; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Calling hours are 2-5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 16, at Tillapaugh Funeral Home, 28 Pioneer St, Cooperstown.
We ask you to join us after the calling hours at “The Shop” in Cherry Valley to celebrate his life with food and laughter.
Burial will be held at a later date.
We love you Dad and will “see you at the races.”
What a shock to hear. Big Mike and I go a long way back when he first came to the area. As said there was always a story to be told along with a wise remark of some sort. Mike will be missed by many, many people who knew him and those loved him. RIP Big Guy.