Her father’s daughter

Norman Swenson Jr. loved life and shared that love with his daughter, Perry. Photo: Courtesy Perry Swenson
Norman Swenson Jr. was called many things by many people: “golf’s ultimate gentleman,” for example, and “the Indiana Jones of Golf.” Perry Swenson Livonius called him “Dad.”
Norman learned to play golf at Carmel Country Club, a family-oriented club on the growing southside of Charlotte, North Carolina. His mother introduced him to the game, and he was instantly addicted, becoming a standout on the East Mecklenburg High School golf team before playing collegiately at Wake Forest University  in 1965-69.
Wake Forest was a powerhouse squad, and most of his teammates went on to the PGA Tour, but Norman put golf aside after graduating to pursue a business career. He found that career – and his wife — in the portrait photography business.

Readers of a certain age may remember when traveling photographers would come to town and set up studios in local chain stores. Among the photographers in Norman’s sales region was a talented photojou...