Apple industry leader Bernie Swindeman dies at 80
Apple industry leader Bernie Swindeman dies at 80
Bernard F. (Bernie) Swindeman of Tecumseh, MI, and Lake Suzy, FL, died Feb. 29 after a brief illness at his Florida residence. He was 80.
Mr. Swindeman was born Feb. 20, 1936 in Toledo, OH, to Walter and Lucile (Timmons) Swindeman. He married Beverly (Murphy) in 1955. In 1959, with a family already started, they took over Applewood Orchards Inc. from his father. Together, they steadily built their business to where they were growing, packing and shipping apples to Midwest-based grocery chains.
In the late 1970’s, as his sons, Steve, Scott and Jim, were taking over the daily operations, Mr. Swindeman became more active in industry affairs. He served on the Michigan Apple Committee from 1984 to 1990 and was chairman in 1986. He also served on the International Apple Institute from 1984 to 1988, and was president in 1987. He served for several years as a director for Deerfield State Bank.
Mr. Swindeman had several hobbies, including competitive iceboat racing and sailboat racing. His sailing friend George McCroskey wrote March 1 in the online newsletter “Sailing Scuttlebutt” that Bernie “owned a number of boats named ‘Appleknocker’, from Dragons in the early 1960s to a custom 40-footer that he raced with his three sons in the 1970s. His Ranger 37, ‘Appleknocker”, was Lake Erie Boat of the year in 1974.”
Mr. Swindeman touched many lives throughout his life and was touched by all those that he had the pleasure of meeting. Whether it was through his hobbies, business or employees, he respected and admired everyone. He had a special appreciation and respect for all that worked for and with him throughout his lifetime.
Survived by his loving wife, “Saint” Beverly, children Steve (Betsy), Scott (Kim), Jim (Mary Pat) and Anne. Grandchildren Michael (Megan), Megan, Alec, Brandt and Trent.
He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his brother, Walter Jr., and sister, Rosemary Downing.
The Swindeman family thanked Mr. Swindeman’s friends and relatives that were so supportive during his illness, as well as the Tidewell Hospice of Arcadia, FL.
A celebration of his life will be held sometime this summer in the Deerfield, MI area. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of your choice or The Michigan State Horticultural Society Trust Fund. http://mihortsociety.org/trust/trustmemorialHonorarium.pdf
