Charles Swan is amazing! From the moment when he got retired he had a lot of things to do. First he went to India and has been lived there in spiritual environment of ashram for several years. Then he return to the US and built the similar ashram in Colorado. When in 1990s perestroika began in Russia he headed there to help business beginners to conduct their businesses correctly because at that time in Russia most of them had no idea how to do it. He ran a consulting firm in Voronezh, hired English speaking staff and became a mediator between Russians and Americans. It was non-profit firm; it might exist on his pension.

Charles Swan had organized a delivery of a large lot of hybrid corn seeds to Voronezh. By some sources it was delivered by US Force transportation aircrafts. Charlie wrote two books, a kind of Guidance for Russian novice businessmen.

We had been introduced to each other in Voronezh in 1995 by friend of mine, Professor Dmitry Laletin.  Charlie was rejoiced at meeting me. By this time I had been lived in New York City within two years, became familiar to American values and life style but still did not lost my Russian experience, I knew Russian mentality and besides we spoke American English he was home-sick. It was surprising and interesting to exchange mutual point of view why I, a Russian, went to the USA and why he, an American, came to Russia.   Since I had known about his intentions I got upset.  I had no doubt his idealistic assessment of Russia will be disappointed. Regional power is in hands of former communists, bribers. They fought to keep their power. His Indian spirituality and American faith in justice will be squelched.

That was happened in a year. Voronezh KGB-men offered him to shut his firm and go away. His visa also was brought into challenge. I met him in JFK airport and brought to my home in Bayside. In the morning he left for his business. After he visited his relative and other matters he was going to return to Voronezh. He was full of energy as a runner with a second wind. JFK airport again, destination — Russia and best regards.

In 24 hours or more I was finding three messages from Charles on my answering machine. I understood nothing. He asked to meet him in JFK.  Again? Perhaps it is old recording? His last message sounds with very tired voice: “Okay. I think you are not home now; however I'm dead creased to stay in the airport anymore. I take a bus to Long Island to my brother”.

In several days it became clear. Russia’s authorities did not let him in. They held him some time in Sheremetyevo-2 airport and sent back to New York. Ten-hour flight is pretty damn hard thing. What about two? Successively? At the age of over 70? ...

He ate humble pie. He had accepted he would not be able to go to Russia again. He was in maze his activities in Russia were foully slandered. He called it he was gotten wrong. He moved to Pittsburgh, PA to his wife Margaret. We met sometimes in New York City, discussed his situation. Once I did not recognize him. At his 76 he got laser eye surgery and gave off to wear glasses.

He is past away in 2006. He fought sarcoma almost for three years.

On this page below is Professor Dmitry Laletin’s article in 'Voronezh Courier', Russian newspaper advocated Charles Swan, the person with a bright soul, after his extradition from Russia. Also the article in Moscow newspaper 'Izvestia' almost the same content. To read these original articles in PDF format Please click here. Sorry, Russian language only.