April 4, 1952 - May 13, 2010SOUTH BEND - A wonderful life ended on Thursday, May 13, 2010, when our dear loved one, Bernard Randolph Swanson Sr., 58, was called from us. He completed his journey on Earth, a journey that began on April 4, 1952, in South Bend, IN, when he was born to Ben C. Swanson Sr. of Dayton, OH, and Geraldine (Swanson) Riley of South Bend, IN. Preceding him in death were his stepfather, William (Buddy) Riley, and stepmother, Rosetta Swanson, siblings, Diane Harris and Bruce Moman, and a granddaughter, Ha'lee Swanson. He confessed a hope in Christ at an early age and became a member of New Salem Missionary Baptist Church under the guidance of Reverend John Arnold. He graduated from John Adams High School in 1972. After that, he worked for Dayton Walters in Dayton, OH, where he was injured on the job. He was affectionately called "Man" by family and friends, a name given to him by his mother at an early age because of his manly voice and temperament. He was well-known throughout the community for his activism and for helping those who were in need of some handy work or the cutting of their yards. He was also well-known for helping and participating in community projects with the Elks. Bernard leaves to ever cherish his memory a very loving mother, Geraldine Riley, and father, Ben (Patricia) Swanson; paternal uncle, Sanford Swanson, and aunt, Bertha Swanson of South Bend; maternal uncle, Donald Wilson; aunt, Shane Jacobs; siblings, Ben (Marilyn) Swanson Jr. of South Haven, MI, DiVorne (Corette) Swanson, John Swanson, William Riley Jr. of South Bend, Ramona Sylvester of Fort Wayne, James Swanson, Myra Swanson of Dayton, OH, and Benita Swanson of St. Louis, MO; special cousins, Richard (Squeaky) Williams and Sharon Herron of South Bend; endearing and special friends, Helen Swanson of Dayton, OH, Herb Johnson of South Bend; children, Bernard Swanson and Marina (Rev. Dr. Harold) Cottom III and Bernard Porter of Dayton, OH; 13 grandchildren, Amarea, Clay, Ashlee, Malik, Johnae, Alexis, Jeremiah, Helen, Tameika, Taylor, Bernard Swanson III, Kelynn and Breniyah Porter; and a host of cousins, nephews, nieces, other family members and friends. Funeral services for Mr. Bernard Randolph Swanson Sr. will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 21, 2010, at New Salem Missionary Baptist, with viewing from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alford's Mortuary, where messages of bereavement may be e-mailed to www.alfordsmortuary@comcast.net, c/o the Swanson family.