Ranger Carl Swanson

Ranger Carl Swanson (2006-2023)   Ranger Carl Swanson, born on June 7, 2006, in Anchorage, Alaska, was the son of Shawn Edwin Swanson and Myra Rose Wall. Tragically, on December 7, 2023, he passed away after generously donating his organs and tissues to Gift of Life Michigan. Ranger Carl Swanson carried on the name of his great-grandfather, Carl W. (Bill) Swanson, a 30-year U.S. Forest Service ranger in Washington, Idaho, Utah, and Alaska.   

Ranger was a fitting namesake for his great-grandfather, whose kindness and good nature made him admired and successful throughout his life. These characteristics were passed on to Ranger to make him naturally caring-a young man who went above and beyond to make others feel comfortable, seen, and heard.   

Ranger graduated from Swartz Creek High School on June 11th with top honors, representing a 3.75 or higher GPA. He looked forward to going into construction, as he enjoyed helping his Mom and stepfather work on their house. He liked swimming, being athletic (especially outside, going on walks and biking), playing soccer, and working out. Ranger always loved doing professional fireworks with his stepfather, Shadd Wall.   

Ranger enjoyed watching hockey and playing video games (fav. game, “Call of Duty”).  He loved A-1 Treat Barn, where his favorite flavor of ice cream was strawberry, and he liked to mix it into a milkshake with Oreo, strawberries, and bananas. Ranger enjoyed country western music, and his favorite song was "Ol' Red," written by James "Bo" Bohon, Don Goodman, and Mark Sherrill, and popularized lately by Blake Shelton. Ranger also loved going Halibut fishing with his Dad and eating breakfast at Sam’s Sourdough Cafe, in Fairbanks, AK.   

A beautiful, precious, and loving human with a heart of gold, Ranger was more than good enough for every life he touched. Ranger is survived by his mother, Myra, and her husband, Shadd Wall, from Luzerne, MI; his half-brother, Kyle Sheffield and Mickayla DeVore, from Swartz Creek, MI; his half-sister Destiny Sheffield and her fiancé, Mykel, from Luzerne, MI; his step-sister Aubrey Wall, from Luzerne, MI; his father, Shawn Swanson, from Fairbanks, AK, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Ranger is preceded in death by his older sister, Aurora Chase Swanson.   

The family is planning “A Celebration of Life” during the 2024 Fourth of July weekend and will post the date, time, and location on Facebook (Myra Rose Wall) for all family and friends who will be able to attend.   

On Ranger’s behalf, if you or someone you know needs help, please visit 988lifeline.org or call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, which provides 24/7, accessible and confidential support for distressed people, as well as prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and reliable reviews of best practices for professionals in the United States.   

Never Forgotten (Author Unknown) 
I remember your smile,
How you shined so bright. 
I didn’t see the pain inside, 
You hid with all your might.
  
I know the pain became too much to bear, 
I know you tried to see. 
But the darkness hid you in a shadow, 
As immovable as a tree.  

On the day you left, 
A piece of my heart went, too. 
But I bask in each new dawn. 
Because now I live for me and you.