Elaine Theresa Swift Bair

Elaine Theresa Swift Bair passed away on January 23, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on October 25, 1958, in Olympia, Washington, to John D. Swift and Mary Kay Swift, the ninth of fifteen kids in a big, loud, loving family that shaped who she was from the very beginning.She went to school in the North Thurston School District, where she played clarinet, swam, played volleyball, danced, and generally stayed busy. Growing up, Elaine spent most of her time outside building forts, riding bikes, and swimming at the neighborhood pool. Being right in the middle of nine girls and six boys meant she never had to sit at the “kids’ table,” and she wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.After high school, Elaine worked at People’s Department Store, where she discovered a love for business. She earned her business degree from Western Washington University and spent several years working in management.In 1986, Elaine married the love of her life, Mike Bair. Together they raised two sons, Braden William and Thomas Michael, who were the center of Elaine’s world. She volunteered often at the boys’ schools and at the local food bank, always finding ways to show up and help where she could.Weekends were often spent hiking the beautiful trails of the Pacific Northwest as a family. Elaine loved being outdoors, loved being together, and loved making memories.Elaine adored her big family and loved sharing her passion for travel—especially when it meant taking her mom along on new adventures. After retiring, Elaine and Mike built their dream home on Discovery Bay and traveled the world, making it to every continent, most recently Antarctica.Elaine was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings John, Kathe, Steve, and Doug.Our sweet “Lainer” will be remembered for her generous heart, her gentle kindness, and the way she made people feel loved and welcome. She leaves behind her husband Mike, her sons Braden and Thomas, her many siblings, extended family, and a whole lot of people who were better for having known her.She will be deeply missed and forever loved.