Steve Swank, a 32-year member of the Rotary Club of Des Moines & Normandy Park and a remarkable human being, leaves a long legacy of service that reaches across the globe. Steve’s years of dedication, fellowship, and leadership have made a lasting mark on all of us who had the privilege of serving alongside him.
Steve personified the Rotary moniker People of Action. Steve served as community service chair for many years and held the post of international service chair when he passed in July. Over the years, he traveled to Nepal, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Tanzania, and, last spring, to Uganda in support of Rotary projects. In each place, Steve represented the best of Rotary: service with humility, friendship across borders, and a deep belief that meaningful change is built through human connection.
As community service chair, Steve was responsible for many hands-on events. One of his favorite projects was Roto-Mow, which he initiated and organized to tackle overgrown yards and repair deteriorating houses for elderly and disabled homeowners. He spent countless hours reaching out to local churches and other groups to rally volunteers to join Rotarians in working at multiple homes all day. This earned Steve the nicknames “Godfather of Community Service” and “Saint Stephen.” That embarrassed him. He never sought recognition.
Steve was a passionate supporter of Highline Music4Life, which provides musical instruments for Highline Public Schools students in need. It was Steve’s idea to make Highline Music4Life the primary beneficiary of the Poverty Bay Blues & Brews Festival, which it remains today.
Steve played a critical role in the Blues & Brews Fest, and much of its growth and success is due to his faithful work year after year recruiting regionally and nationally acclaimed bands to perform. Steve selected and signed the bands for the upcoming 17th Annual Blues & Brews Fest on Aug. 29. During this year’s program, the club will pay tribute to Steve and celebrate his love of music, service, and community.
Steve’s legacy lives on in the projects he built and supported, the relationships he nurtured, the music and fellowship he brought to our community, and the true Rotary example he modeled for all of us. His humor, his thoughtful leadership, and his generous heart are deeply missed.
Steve’s service to Rotary was eclipsed only by his love and dedication to his family: his wife, Jeri; their two children, Jessyca and Ryan; and grandchildren McKenna, Noah, and Zack.
The Swank family has asked that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in his name to the Rotary Club of Des Moines and Normandy Park in support of the International and/or Community Service Committees. You can contribute here. Please note “In memory of Steve Swank” in the description field.
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