Robert J. Swayne

ASHEVILLE—Robert J. Swayne, III, age 59, of Leisure Mountain Rd., died Tuesday, March 26, 2013. Bob was born November 4, 1953, in New Orleans, La., where he lived until moving to Asheville in 1996. He was a graduate of Vanderbilt University with a degree in engineering. He was an inventor who loved working with his hands, especially working on cars, and helping friends. Bob loved reading and was a Bible scholar. He retired from Entergy in Louisiana. He was the son of the late Robert John Swayne, Jr., and Louise Augusta Saehmann Swayne. Surviving are his life partner, Mark Parsons of the home; sister, Barbara Swayne of Asheville; first cousins in New Orleans, Gretchen McInnis and husband Ed, Robyn Copperman and husband Elliot, and Patrice Willard and husband Geoff. The family will greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, April 1, 2013, at West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville, with a Sharing of Memories at 6:00 p.m. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 120 Executive Park, Asheville, NC 28801. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Bob's obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.