Wolfeboro-----Arnold Elmer Swain passed away peacefully at Wolfeboro Bay on February 21, 2012, after a brief period of failing health. Arnold was born February 12, 1916 in Melrose, Massachusetts to Charles Elmer Swain and Alberta Eunice (Deyarmond) Swain. He grew up in Wakefield, Massachusetts and in 1941 he enlisted in the U. S. Armed Forces and was recognized for faithful and patriotic service by the town, serving during WW II, after his honorable discharge in 1945. He loved being in Central America, St. Lucia, anywhere hot and tropical. In 1949 Arnold “Bud” attended Refrigeration Mechanics School in Los Angeles, California, then in 1950 completed his course in Domestic & Commercial Refrigeration. In 1959 he became a student in Peterson's School of Steam Engineering, he received a diploma from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to be a licensed Second Class Fireman.
On October 27, 1948 Arnold married his long time love, Evelyn Haley, in Manchester, Vermont. Evelyn, originally from Melvin Village had moved to Winthrop, Massachusetts, where they met. They spent most of their married life in Massachusetts, and a home in Florida before retiring to Laconia, New Hampshire in 1993.
In Arnold's lifetime he had a passion for the outdoors. He loved to hike, walk, go camping and play tennis. He and Evelyn worked their way across the United States in the hotel business, both very active, determined and devoted to living life.
Arnold is survived by his two children; Cynthia Swain of Arlington, Massachusetts and Charles Swain of Phoenix, AZ., two grandchildren, Christine and Parker, and his sister, Ruth Jeans, of Port Richey, Florida. He had several nieces and nephews from New Hampshire, Maine and Florida. Gaye Hodgdon of Center Tuftonboro had become a special niece/caregiver to The Swain’s, and Arnold and she enjoyed a humorous friendship right to the end.
A graveside service will be held in the late spring for Arnold and Evelyn at Town Hall Cemetery in Tuftonboro, with Military honors provided.
In lieu of spring flowers we ask you take a nice walk with a loved one and stay active.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, N. H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an on line memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.