Joel Swendsen Obituary

I have only just learned, my heart is broken to learn of your passing, Joel. You are one of my favorite people on earth and I will miss you every day even though we have not seen each other in decades. Condolences to Joel's siblings, nieces and nephews, and especially to Pascale and Eric.

Love and sympathy,
Sheri (aka "Bahama Mama")

I extend my sincere condolences to Joel's family, friends, and colleagues. Joel has been, and will always be, a mentor and role model to me in both work and life. I saw a caring father figure in him. He was a remarkable man, gentle, hard-working, professional, and funny, but most importantly kind-hearted. I cannot imagine the old team without Joel's leadership. I was super lucky to know him and work with him, and now I'm devastated by the loss. I remember the days he spent trying to help me through my depression and the difficulties of my Ph.D. thesis. He stood by my side and always put a bar of chocolate on my desk to cheer me up. Thank you, Joel, I will never forget you! Rest in peace.

My deepest condolences to the Swendsen family. Joel´s kindness and positive impact will live on.

My deepest sympathies to the entire Swendsen family. It was easy to be Joel's childhood friend, neighbor and classmate through St Monica's and Saint ignatius. I remember joyful birthday parties up there on Fulton Street and Joel's brilliant sense of humor. We took a lot of Muni buses together and wandered around in Golden Gate Park where we'd often bump into his dad on a park bench with his pipe and a twinkle. Of course, all those rowdy siblings of his filled Joel's head with lots of big ideas that I still ponder to this day. We were the babies of big families but not much alike other than that except that we we're both very smart and spirited.
What a great guy and what a tremendous loss for all of us. I miss you my friend. Patrick Kleinen St. Monica's '79, St. Ignatius '83

We will miss your humor and your loving concern for your fellow human beings. You are leaving a gigantic hole in the hearts of many.

I was so lucky to have spent time with Joel, Ron, and his dear Hillary. Joel always had a gleam in his eye and love in his heart for all those around him. His grace will always be with me. Condolences to his wife and loved, son Eric. RIP dear man.

My sorrow at the loss of Joel is profound. I have very happy memories of going on picnics and hikes with him and all my cousins when we were all young.

My deepest sympathies at this awful time.
Love, Elaine

Dear Joel,
I will miss your delicate humor and your favorite swear words terribly. You were made of this precious wood that makes up the best friends, considerate, wise adviser and always listening. What more can I say, except that on a professional level you command respect. Your passion for your discipline combined with your fine analytical mind made you a scientist recognized on the international scene. Your abrupt (and somewhat cavalier) departure leaves a great void. With whom could I now exchange nonsense and good words on my iphone during certain soporific meetings? All my condolences to your loved ones.
Thierry Wirth (one of your bros)

Joel presented me with a less-than-a-once-in-a-lifetime experience: an honorary doctorate presented at the Sorbonne. That unique experience is a metaphor for Joel's extraordinary embracing and support of friends and colleagues. I extend my sincere condolences to all of Joel's family--thank you for sharing this treasure of a man with us lucky colleagues.

My deepest sympathy to you Monica and Larry and the Swendsen family on your great loss . May Joel R I P .

Dearest Hillary, Ron, Eric,
We all are thinking of you and your families as you mourn the loss of an amazing brother and father. Sending all our love.

To Pascale, Eric and the Swendsen family,
I am very sorry that Joel passed away too early and unexpectedly. He and I were in the same cohort in graduate school at UCLA. I remember his joy and laughter. He was one of my favorite people on the planet. I'm sure he was the favorite person of many, many people. I will carry a portion of your grief.

my deepest sympathy to all the family for their loss

My condolences to the whole Swendsen family. Joel was a remarkable man, with a quick wit and a joyful outlook on life -- very much like his father. So sad that he has departed this world so soon. RIP Joel.

Although I never met in person with Joel (our professional interactions only took place via Zoom during the pandemic) I have very nice memories of his fine personal style, his generosity as a scientist and his knowledgeability. A very pleasant and unassuming person whom I will regret. My sympathies to his family and colleagues.

Dear Swendsen Family, my deepest sympathy for your loss. I am very grateful that Joel's path and mine crossed and that I had the privilege of working with him. In the short time we worked together, I learned a lot from him. His irrepressible passion for research, his humor, his motivation and his ambition were a great inspiration for me. Joel was one of a kind, always cheerful and friendly, very helpful and engaging, humble, always listening. I will never forget our visit to Saint-Emilion and the cave. It was a beautiful day full of joy. I will miss him very much and always remember him fondly.

I enjoyed his sense of humor and his bright smile. I looked forward to his visits to see his sister, Hillary, he always made me laugh. He will be missed. My deepest sympathy to his family.

Our deepest condolences to Hillary, Ron, Eric and the Swendsen family for the loss of your beloved Joel.

Pic,
I am lost without you. But love is forever.
Hill

My deepest sympathy for your loss. I will keep him and the family in my thoughts and prayers.

-Ray Trounday
Class of 1983 S.I.

Godspeed, Joel. May you rest in peace. Give our best to Father Sauer and all the others from our class.

To the Swendsen family and to all touched by Joel's great kindness and love, I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I can see he truly gave all of himself for others. I am so blessed to have been his classmate and friend.

Joel, you made us laugh, you made us smile, you listened, you shared, and your friendship is forever in our memories and hearts. Till we meet again, thanks buddy.

My deepest sympathy to you and your family Monica on the sudden death at a young age of your dear brother R I P .
What a loss ! He is in heaven with your parents praying for all of you . God bless and prayers .

To the Swendsen Family, I am sorry to read of your loss, sounds like a great life taken to soon. I will keep your family in my prayers.

I 'll always miss his simple and beautiful smile, his elegant way to be funny, his love for my city!!! Fly in peace Joel!

Claire Sullivan was the classmate!

Joel was a pleasure to grow up with. Kind, clever, funny. In second grade he gave our classmate VLaire Sullivan he new name "Clear Cellophane." We call her that to this day. Never a mean bone. Always a good guy. Love to the Swendsen family.