Louis Andre Swiger – beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend – passed peacefully on Sunday, June 14. In his own words, Andre once wrote: “I have lived a charmed life. Many good things came to me without being goal driven – success in marriage, family, school, and work. Luckily it all just happened to me.” Those words capture perfectly the gracious, humble spirit that made him so beloved by everyone fortunate enough to know him. Andre was born near midnight on Sept. 16, 1932, in Waverly, Ohio — a small town where he spent his childhood playing pickup games, working the family farm, and developing the quiet work ethic that would define his life. He attended Waverly High School before earning his bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and his master’s degree and PhD from Iowa State University. He later returned to Ohio State to teach Animal Science, then became Department Head of Animal Science at Virginia Tech, eventually rising to Dean of Agriculture. He was dearly loved and survived by his children, Kurt (Elizabeth) and Eliot (Lisa); his nine grandchildren, Adam, Joy, Andy, Daniel, Jessica, Meghan, Kristopher, Jacob, and Jack; his 13 great-grandchildren; his brother, Morris and his daughter-in-law, Suzy Swiger. He is preceded in death by his devoted wife, Mary Belle Kinney Swiger; his son, Michael Swiger; his parents, James and Lorraine Swiger; and his sister, Carol Bevier. Andre was passionate about sports, especially Ohio State football, Virginia Tech sports, and golf. He cherished every round played alongside his children, grandchildren, nephew, and many dear friends. Visitation for family and friends was held Friday June 19, followed by a funeral service at McCoy Funeral Home in Blacksburg. A burial service was held after at Westview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Annual Fund (881012) at Virginia Tech. Please note that your gift is in memory of Louis Andre Swiger. Donations may be made online by visiting www.give.vt.edu. Search for area to support-881012.
