Dr. Charles Mathews Swindler

Dr. Charles Mathews Swindler 1915 - 2008

"A Life rendered in gratuitous service to the community and his profession"

OGDEN a€" Dr. Charles M. Swindler, age 93, passed away on October 18, 2008. His compassion, focus on excellence and extraordinary commitment to medicine will be missed by the Ogden community.

He was born in Lobar, Pennsylvania, 1915, to Dr. Charles Mathew Swindler and Ethel Hawkins Swindler. He graduated from the University of Pittsburg School of Medicine with an Orthopedic Specialty in 1940 and was commissioned into the Army 1st Infantry Division as a surgeon and a tactical commanding officer during World War II. Upon honorable discharge he received two Purple Hearts, and a Bronze Medal Award. He then completed his residency in Orthopedics at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital and New York Orthopedic Hospital.

In 1951 he moved his family to Ogden, Utah, and established his private practice. He gave thirty-seven years of professional service to St. Benedict''s-Ogden Regional Medical Center and the McKay Dee Hospital. Additionally, he worked forty-seven years for the Shriner''s Hospital for Children, Intermountain Unit, Salt Lake City, where he helped establish the orthopedic department at the University of Utah School of Medicine. He contributed many years of charitable service to the Ogden Rescue Mission free clinic, the Intermountain Indian School of Brigham City, Weber County Public Health clinics, the Ogden Children''s Learning Center, the Sisters of St. Benedict and the Holy Trinity Abbey in Huntsville, Utah. In 1995 he was recognized with the Mattie Wattis Harris "Spirit of the American Women" Award.

Charles is survived by his loving and supportive wife of 66 years, Opal Anne, son, Charles Mathews, and granddaughter, Alexandra of Ft. Myers, Florida, daughter, Mary Swindler Gustafson and grandson, Tyler Charles of Salt Lake City, Utah and sister Margaret Swindler Lee of Alabama.

He was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother.

The family appreciates all of the loving care and consideration given by Ogden Regional Hospital and Crestwood Care Center and their compassionate staff, and Jeanette Smyth RN, his devoted office nurse and friend.

A service will be held in his memory at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, November 28, 2008. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to The Shriner''s Hospital for Children Intermountain Unit, Salt Lake City, The Ogden Rescue Mission or the charity of your personal choice.

Funeral directors, Lindquist''s Ogden Mortuary