Colleagues saddened by loss of Tim Swenson

ITD and District 5 lost a long-time colleague and friend Saturday morning (May 21) when Tim Swenson passed away in Pocatello at the age of 65 after a courageous battle with cancer. His passing brings to close a four-decade career of dedicated service to the department and citizens of Idaho.

Tim began his lifelong journey in engineering by enrolling at Idaho State University in 1965. After transferring to the University of Idaho three years later, he earned a civil engineering degree in 1970.

He joined ITD’s Engineer in Training program after finishing at the UI and worked through rotations in bridge, design, materials and construction. Upon completion of the EIT program, he took a project engineer position in the Mountain Home Residency. Among his fondest memories and greatest engineering experiences was work on the “Great Wall of Idaho” on Interstate 84 near Glenns Ferry.

In September 1981 he was promoted to Resident Engineer in Pocatello, a position he enjoyed for nearly 30 years.

“He greeted new projects with a great enthusiasm, and the more complex they were the better he liked it,” said a District 5 colleague. He enjoyed working on construction projects in the Montpelier area, especially the Montpelier Canyon projects.

Tim administered Idaho’s first GARVEE-funded construction project – Topaz to Lava Hot Springs. He was a true public servant and always strived to do the right thing. His 40-plus years of experience, cheerful nature and steady hand will be greatly missed by all of his colleagues.

“If you had the pleasure of knowing him, we understand that you share with us the impact of this tremendous loss,” said Brian Poole, assistant District 5 engineer. He spoke for all district employees and district engineer Ed Bala, who is away from the office.

A viewing is planned from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Tuesday (May 31) at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Road, in Chubbuck with Pastor Scott Sampson of Rocky Mountain Ministries officiating. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11 a.m. Concluding services will be at 1:30 p.m. at Riverview Cemetery, 811 N. West River Road, in Firth.

Those who wish to express condolences to the family can do so online by contacting the funeral home at http://wilksfuneralhome.com. Cards also can be mailed to the Swenson home at 845 Barton Road, No. 170, Pocatello, ID, 83236.

Published 5-27-2011