DETROIT (11/30/2016) -- It is with great sadness that the University of Detroit Mercy Department of Athletics learned of the passing of one of its greatest basketball players in Norm Swanson '53.

Swanson, 86, entered eternal life on Nov. 24, 2016, at his home in Indian Shores, Florida. 

He earned All-America accolades in 1952 and 1953 and led the University of Detroit in scoring in three of his four varsity years. He was also the top scorer in the Missouri Valley Conference in two of his three seasons and was selected All-League three times. He currently ranks 13th in school history with 1,494 points and is first in free throw attempts (732) and second in free throws made (450). 

He was chosen by the U of D student body as the Athlete of the Year for track and basketball on three occasions. 

The men's basketball team still gives out an award in his name at its annual end of the season banquet in the Norm Swanson Leading Scorer Award. 

After his collegiate career, he was drafted in the second round (11th overall) in the 1953 NBA draft by the Rochester Royals (now the Sacramento Kings franchise) playing one season and seeing action in 63 games. He totaled 91 points, 110 rebounds and 33 assists at the professional level. 

His distinguished high school and collegiate career earned his induction into three Hall Of Fames: the Schurz High School Sports Hall of Fame, University of Detroit Mercy Sports Hall of Fame and the Illinois Basketball Hall of Fame. 

After leaving the NBA, Norman began his long career in city sales at the Stroh's Brewery Company in Detroit. He eventually became Vice President of Sales at Stroh's and retired after 43 years of loyal service. 

Swanson was born on October 4, 1930, to Verner and Thada Swanson in Chicago, Illinois, and was the oldest of three children. He married his beloved wife and best friend, Mary, in 1974. She recently passed in August of 2016. 

Swanson is survived by his daughter, Susan (Elton) Rothwell; son, Vern (Cindy) Swanson; daughter Karen (Ron) Rice; sister, Nancy (Russ) Vanselow and his 12 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and four great, great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Catherine Swanson who passed away in 1968, his sister Jacqueline Krumwiede, his niece Kimberly Krumwiede, his nephew Russell Vanselow and his parents.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, December 4, at 10:00 am for visitation and service at 11:00 am at Serenity Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Goodsports.org. Good Sports gives kids nationwide the benefits of sport and physical activity by providing new equipment, apparel and footwear to those most in need.

Those wishing to sign the guest book may do so online by clicking here.  

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