Guy Swanson; Musical Instrument Sales Manager

Guy Swanson, a retired district sales manager for a musical instrument distribution firm and an activist in neighborhood crime watch programs, has died at his Chatsworth home. He was 69.

Swanson, a native of Edgar, Neb., died Monday after a long illness, said Betty Swanson, his wife of 47 years.

Swanson attended the University of Nebraska, where he graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in music in 1943. He worked during his college years teaching high school music courses.

He began selling musical instruments in retail stores when he moved to Omaha in 1950 and worked in retail stores in several states, including New Mexico, Florida and Wisconsin.

Swanson came to California with his family in 1965 and worked as a district manager of sales with C.G. Conn Co., selling instruments to music stores and professional musicians, until his retirement in 1984. His territory covered Southern California, Arizona and Las Vegas.

He and his family lived in Northridge from 1965 until 1970, when they moved to Chatsworth.

Swanson was appointed the first chairman of the 12th District Neighborhood Watch program in 1980 by Councilman Hal Bernson and held the position until his death.

He initiated a fire watch program in the Chatsworth area and volunteered to help the Police Department organize other neighborhood watch programs. Swanson was also a member and president for the Citizen’s Emergency Mobile Patrol, a citizen’s organization that works with the Police Department.

He is survived by his wife; a daughter, LeAne Swanson of Palmdale; his father, Arthur Swanson of Edgar, Neb.; a brother, Robert Swanson of Edgar; and a sister, Bettie Merrill, also of Edgar.

Donations can be made in Swanson’s name to the Police Athletic League, Devonshire Division of the Los Angeles Police Department, Northridge. Arrangements were handled by Bastian & Perrott Mortuary in Northridge.