Shane C. Swanberg

Marine Lance Cpl. Shane Clanin Swanberg, born March 7, 1981, in Bellevue, WA, and was killed serving his country in Ramadi, Iraq, on September 15, 2005.

Shane was the cherished son of Linda Clanin Swanberg and Brian Swanberg (Lori) and brother of Travis Swanberg, (Tiffany) and sister Nicole Swanberg. Growing up in the Finn Hill neighborhood of Kirkland, Shane was a rough and tumble boy who remained close to his friends as they all journeyed into adulthood. He loved racquetball, "Game Night", and spending time with his friends. He and his dad Brian also were golf fanatics who got out whenever they could. It was moments such as these - time with his family and friends - that mattered the most to Shane. The beach was one of Shane's favorite destinations. Building sandcastles was one of his favorite past times at all the beaches he visited.

Shane became a Marine in 2002, two years after graduating from Juanita High School in Kirkland. Shane loved being a Marine. Always close to his family, he enthusiastically shared his experiences in frequent letters, emails, phone calls and visits home. Especially important to him were new friends he so easily made who would soon be like brothers. After basic, Shane was stationed at Twentynine Palms, CA, and remained there with his buddies in 3/7 Weapons Company CAAT RED, until his deployment to Iraq on September 5, 2005. His job in the Corps was TOW missile and Humvee operator, which entailed manning the M-60 machine gun mounted atop the Humvee. He once was asked to demonstrate these weapons by actor Tom Arnold on his show "The Best Damn Sports Show". Shane later told his mother he was nervous because he only had one shot, but thrilled that he hit the mark precisely with the cameras rolling.

Shane's relationship with his mother Linda was one of deep mutual love, honesty and respect. Their loyalty to each other was unparalleled. She will remember all her life their last conversations together and work to make his wishes come true.

The pride Brian's father had for his son was endless and deep. He adored him and bragged about him to anyone who would listen.

He is also survived by sister-in-law Tiffany and nephew Brock, grandparents Mary and Chuck Baggarley of Woodburn, Ore.; grandparents Pat and Jeanie Murphy of Indiatlantic, FL.; great- grandfather, Frank Murphy, (Indiatlantic, FL), aunt Sheila Clanin (Bellevue), aunt Kelly Spencer (Witchita, KS), uncles Mike Swanberg, Jason Murphy, Todd Baughman, Bruce Baughman, Leonard Baughman, cousin Rachel and many, many friends.

Services were held on Monday, Sept. 26, at Northshore Baptist Church, in Bothell, WA. Shane was laid to rest with full honors at Tahoma National Cemetery.