Roger Bleile
~ Elite 1000 Member ~
Robert Douglas Swartley, Napa, California
January 8, 1937 - July 23, 2016
It was with profound sadness that FEGA was notified of the passing of one of our most senior members, Bob Swartley. A Founding Charter Member and Master of FEGA, Bob was an active, occupational gun engraver since 1957.
Born in San Luis Obispo, California, Bob was a graduate of the gunsmithing course at the Colorado School of Trades and a veteran of the US Army. From 1960 to 1962, Bob worked for Griffin & Howe in New York City under the tutelage of Austrian Master, Josef Fugger.
After G&H Bob settled in Napa, California where he worked as a freelance engraver until his passing. Bob was predeceased by his wife, Norma and is survived by his son Matthew.
Look for a full feature article on Bob Swartley in an upcoming issue of The Engraver magazine.
January 8, 1937 - July 23, 2016
It was with profound sadness that FEGA was notified of the passing of one of our most senior members, Bob Swartley. A Founding Charter Member and Master of FEGA, Bob was an active, occupational gun engraver since 1957.
Born in San Luis Obispo, California, Bob was a graduate of the gunsmithing course at the Colorado School of Trades and a veteran of the US Army. From 1960 to 1962, Bob worked for Griffin & Howe in New York City under the tutelage of Austrian Master, Josef Fugger.
After G&H Bob settled in Napa, California where he worked as a freelance engraver until his passing. Bob was predeceased by his wife, Norma and is survived by his son Matthew.
Look for a full feature article on Bob Swartley in an upcoming issue of The Engraver magazine.