Ted J. Swiderski, Jr.

Ted J. Swiderski, Jr., 67, passed away on December 5, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. Ted was born May 29, 1950, in Brooklyn, New York, to Ted and Ernestine (Barfoot) Swiderski. He was a graduate of the University of Florida and the University of Colorado, where he received his Master’s Degree in Geology. After graduation he began working for Phillips Petroleum, where he met the love of his life, Becky. After leaving Phillips Petroleum, he worked for Amerada Hess. Ted moved to San Angelo, TX, and with partners, formed Meg Petroleum. After leaving the oil and gas business, Ted continued his geology by working for Sanco Material and then CSA, Inc. Ted spent his career doing what he loved - geology. Ted had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. To quote Ted, “Life without learning is a mistake prone existence.” Anyone who knew Ted knew if you ever asked him a question you had better have the time for the answer because he never gave a short one. He loved music. He loved art. He loved all literature, his passion being history and poetry. Having written over a thousand original poems, one might call him a poet. He loved to travel and to experience new wonders in life. Ted is preceded in death by his parents; in-laws Travis and Willadeen Barrett and Alex Edwards, who he loved like a son. Ted is survived by his wife, Becky, three sons: Jordan and wife Bekah Swiderski; Chris Swiderski; Keith and wife Nikki Swiderski and his grandson and name sake Teddy Swiderski; Brother Steve and wife Susie Swiderski, Brother-in-law Mike Barrett; Sister-in-law, Pam Barrett; Nieces Jenny and husband James Bouwer; Liza and husband Dan Irion; Great nieces and nephews; Ella Grace and Lillian Bouwer, Cyrus and Cash Irion. Ted was also blessed to have an additional family in Sam and Georgia Edwards and Samuel Edwards, whom he loved as a son. A memorial gift may be made to the Ted J. Swiderski Memorial Physics and Geoscience Endowment at Angelo State University, Office of Development and Alumni Relations, ASU Station # 11023, San Angelo, TX. 76909-1023. A private celebration of Ted’s life will take place at a later date. The Family wishes to thank the staff of Cedar Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation for the excellent care and endless kindness shown to Ted and his family. We also thank St. Gabriel’s Hospice, especially Rene Rendon, for making his final days filled with comfort and peace. And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered? Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing. And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb. And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance. from The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran