Chuck Swisher

Chuck Swisher (58), of Toledo, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, October 15, 2006, at The Toledo Hospital surrounded by his family, following a sudden illness. He was born on November 26, 1948, to Dr. Ernest and Alice Swisher, in Smith Center, Kansas.
Chuck graduated from Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas, in 1970 with a degree in Business Administration. He began his career at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas where he advanced to the position of Manager, Field Operations, for Medicare and Blue Cross audits. In 1977, Chuck was selected as Vice President, Finance, of the Missouri Hospital Association (MHA) and in 1980; he was promoted to the position of Senior Vice President at MHA. He also served as the Executive Director of the Sunderbruch Corporation and was responsible for overseeing their medical utilization programs in the St. Louis area, working closely with the St. Louis Area Business Health Coalition.
In 1990, Chuck joined St. Louis Children's Hospital as the first full time Director of Government Relations. In 1995, he became Director, State Relations for BJC Health System, which St. Louis Children's Hospital joined in 1994, where he worked with elected officials in Missouri and Illinois, as well as representatives at the federal level in Washington, DC. In 1999, Chuck's career led him to ProMedica Health System in Toledo, OH where he held the position of Corporate Vice President, Government Relations and was most recently named, President, LEHA/LERC/Amerinet and Chief Materials Management Officer, where he was responsible for supply chain management for the entire system. He enthusiastically adopted Toledo as his home, and quickly became involved in the community. He gave much of his time and talent to many local organizations.
Chuck was a kind and generous person who had a passion for life which was evident in all things. He especially loved his children and grandchildren. He brought much love to his family but also to his very large extended family and friends. An avid golfer, he spent much of his free time on the golf course with his friends. He had such a magnetic personality that no one was a stranger. He always had a funny joke and made every one around him smile and laugh. He loved taking photographs of everyone and always had his camera nearby.
Chuck was preceded in death by his father, Ernest and brother, David. He is survived by his children C. Jagger (Heather) Swisher, of Overbrook, KS; and Ali (Alex) Weaver of Flower Mound, TX; mother Alice Lorraine Swisher; brothers Ernie Swisher, Greg Swisher, George (Elaine) Swisher, and sister Becky Rinehart; precious grandchildren, Madison, Brenna, Allison, Pierce and Jacob; fiancée, Susan Czajkowski of Farmington, MI; and former wife and dear friend Pamela Johnston of St. Louis, MO.
A Memorial Service in Topeka will be at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, October 21st at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Services will be held in Toledo on Thursday, October 19th.
In lieu of flowers, and recognizing Chuck's deep commitment to children, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Charles P. Swisher Fund at Toledo Children's Hospital Foundation 2142 North Cove Boulevard, Jobst Suite 600, Toledo, OH 43606. Condolences may be sent to www.penwellgabel.com