PHILIP O. SWANSON of Hingham, died on Friday, Oct. 15th at the Harbor House Nursing Center in Hingham. He was 88. He was born in West Duxbury and was a Hingham resident for nearly 60 years. Mr. Swanson will be fondly remembered for his love of nature and his many years of teaching science in the Hingham Public Schools. He worked tirelessly to encourage the conservation of unspoiled open space and forest land in Hingham.He also was instrumental in the town's acquisition of the South Shore Country Club, saving it from being subdivided into house lots. He was a decorated veteran of World War II, serving with honor in the 8th Air Force, 91st Bomber Group. Mr. Swanson was awarded the Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and a Purple Heart for his service as a navigator in B-17's, flying missions over France and Germany.His wife of 61 years, Ruth (Lindquist) Swanson passed away in January of this year. He was the father of Peter O. Swanson and his wife Ann of Marshfield Hills and David P. Swanson and his wife Essie of Kirkland, WA. Brother of Priscilla Swanson Harris of West Duxbury and Christine B. Maass of Bethesda, MD. Grandfather of Eric P. Swanson and his wife Nhu Le of Quincy, Bradford C. Swanson of Alexandria, VA. Great grandfather of Liem Swanson of Quincy.Visiting hours and flowers are omitted by request. The interment will be private.The time and place of a Memorial Service will be announced at a later date by the Downing Cottage Funeral Chapel, Hingham.