Robert E. Swink
Swink, perhaps best remembered as the film editor for numerous features helmed by William Wyler, received Oscar nominations for "Roman Holiday" (1953), "Funny Girl" (1968) -- both directed by Wyler -- and "The Boys From Brazil" (1978).
Swink-edited features include "Friendly Persuasion," "The Diary of Anne Frank," "The Best Man," "How to Steal a Million," "The Flim Flam Man," "Papillon" and "Rooster Cogburn."
A Colorado native, he moved with his family to North Hollywood when he was 9 years old. Following graduation from North Hollywood High in 1936, he was offered both a college football scholarship and a film editing apprenticeship at RKO Studios.
Joining RKO, he worked in its editorial department, eventually rising to the post of film editor. During World War II, he served in the Special Services division of the U.S. Army, where he cut training films.
Following World War II, he rejoined RKO and segued from editing trailers to cutting prestigious features such as "I Remember Mama" (1948).
He moved over to Paramount Studios in 1952 and went to work for Wyler editing the film "Carrie." He retired in 1989.
In the early 1990s, Swink was honored with a Life Achievement Award by the American Cinema Editors.
He is survived by his wife, Dee Jay; two daughters; a son; two sisters; two brothers; and seven grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. today at the First Methodist Church, 4832 Tujunga Blvd. in North Hollywood.
In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations in Swink's name be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
