Ted Schwinden
Ted Schwinden | |
---|---|
19th Lieutenant Governor of Montana | |
In office January 3, 1977 – January 5, 1981 | |
Governor | Tom Judge |
Preceded by | Bill Christiansen |
Succeeded by | George Turman |
Personal details | |
Born | Theodore Schwinden August 31, 1925 Wolf Point, Montana, U.S. |
Died | October 7, 2023 Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. | (aged 98)
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse |
Jean Christianson
(m. 1946; died 2007) |
Children | 3 |
Education | |
Military service | |
Branch/service | United States Army |
Years of service | 1944–1946 |
Battles/wars | World War II |
Theodore Schwinden (August 31, 1925 – October 7, 2023) was an American politician. He was the 19th
Biography
Theodore Schwinden was born near Wolf Point, Montana, on his family's farm on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation between Wolf Point and Poplar.[2] Schwinden was a valedictorian at his high school.[3] He enlisted in the United States Army and served in both the European and Pacific theaters in World War II. He left the army in 1946.[3] He earned a bachelor's and master's from the University of Montana.[4] He was studying toward a PhD in economics at the University of Minnesota before he had to return to his family farm due to his father's ill health.[5][6][7]
Career
A member of the
Schwinden defeated Judge in the Democratic primary in 1980. He then beat Republican Jack Ramirez in that year's gubernatorial election to become the 19th governor of Montana.[11][12][13] He was re-elected governor in 1984, getting the victory over State Senator Pat M. Goodover.[13] Hallmarks of Schwinden's governorship were his "Build Montana" economic plan and popular traveling "Capital for a Day" events, and was known for leading Montana through its economic difficulties.[2][13] He took pride in being what he felt was a governor who maintained an open and attentive approach to the needs and concerns of the public.[13] Despite favorable polling in 1988, he chose not to seek a third term as governor, staying true to his promise of serving only two terms in office.[3]
Personal life and death
Schwinden was married to Jean Christianson in 1946; she died from cancer on March 24, 2007, at age 81.[14][15] Schwinden and his wife had two sons, Mike Schwinden and Dore Schwinden, and one daughter, Chrys Anderson.[4][9]
On October 7, 2023, Schwinden died at the home of his daughter, Chrys Anderson in Phoenix, Arizona, aged 98. He was also survived his two sons Mike Schwinden and Dore Schwinden, six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. [3][16]
References
- ^ "Former State Governors". www.netstate.com. Retrieved October 9, 2013.
- ^ a b "Governor Ted Schwinden". Montana Historical Society. Archived from the original on August 20, 2012. Retrieved October 10, 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f "'Tough old bird': Straight-talking former Montana governor Ted Schwinden dies at 98". Billings Gazette. October 8, 2023. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
- ^ a b "Ted Schwinden". National Governors Association. Retrieved August 27, 2012.
- ^ Schwinden, Ted; Barrett, Evan (January 2016). "Biography of Ted Schwinden". Biographies and Photos of Series Participants.
- ^ "Gov. Ted Schwinden cared for Montana". December 28, 2020.
- ^ "A talk with Ted: Catching up with former Montana Governor Schwinden". November 19, 2020.
- ^ "Demo Emphasis Appears Aimed at Greater Strength in Senate". The People's Voice. Vol. 19, no. 28. Helena, Montana. June 13, 1958. pp. 1–2. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
- ^ a b Schwinden, Ted; Barrett, Evan (January 1, 2016). "Biography of Ted Schwinden". Biographies and Photos of Series Participants.
- ^ "Schwinden, Ted (b. 1925)". The Political Graveyard. Retrieved October 10, 2012.
- ^ "Schwinden exults after beating Judge". The Spokesman Review. June 5, 1980. Retrieved December 5, 2010.
- ^ Neuharth, Allen H.; Ken Paulson; Dan Greaney; Jo-Ann Swanson; Gaynelle Evans (June 8, 1987). "MONTANA;We want to grow, and protect a way of life". USA Today. Retrieved December 5, 2010.
Ted Schwinden, 61, a Democrat, was elected governor of Montana in 1980 and was re-elected in 1984. He served as lieutenant governor from 1977 until 1981.
- ^ a b c d "Former Montana Gov. Schwinden dies at 98". KTVH. October 9, 2023. Retrieved October 9, 2023.
- ISBN 9780930466626– via Google Books.
- ^ "Former first lady dies of cancer". Helenair.com. March 25, 2007. Retrieved December 5, 2010.
- ^ Ambarian, Jonathon (October 8, 2023). "Former Montana Gov. Schwinden dies at 98". KPAX-TV. Retrieved October 8, 2023.