David
Though eternally thankful for his life, it is with great sadness we announce the passing of our much loved husband, father and grandfather who died peacefully on April 29, 2005 with family at his side.
David was born February 27, 1931 in Strathmore, Alberta, to Edwin and Mary Swetman and was predeceased by both. Also predeceased by step-mother Jessie (Parsons) Swetman, sister Joan Johnston, step-sister Gwen Warden, step-brother Keith Parsons and niece Sandra Arseneau.
He is survived by Alma, his best friend and wife of 50 years, sons Chris (Donna), Adam (Julia) and grandchildren Adam, Alex, Meaghan, Mady, Myrandah, Andrew and Sadie Swetman, brother John, sister Marjorie Rembaugh (Don) and sister-in-law Doreen Parsons; nieces Anne Johnson, Robin Record, Pattie Anderson, and Martina LeBlanc, nephews Edwin Swetman, Jeff Rembaugh and a large extended family.
David lived in Alberta until he was 15 and moved to Seattle, where he attended High School and the University of Washington, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. He was a staff sergeant in the U.S. air force, stationed in Okinawa during the Korean War. He and Alma were married in Seattle in 1954 and returned to her home province of Ontario in 1960. For most of his professional life he was employed by Northern Electric, Bell Northern Research and Bell Canada. His early work took him to Northern Ontario and Quebec to work on the radar early warning systems and later to various places in Ontario and Quebec and a stint in Greece. In 1967 he and Alma moved to the small town of Acton, Ontario and raised their two sons there. He was a member of the Anglican Church, member and president of the Acton Rotary Club and President of the Acton Y board of directors. David was a loving father and often the van driver for his sons various hockey games and other activities. Their home was on a small lake and David became an expert in building skating rinks for his sons and other youngsters.
David and Alma retired to Abbotsford in July 1991 and have made many friends here. He has volunteered each year to work in the Community Services income tax program for seniors. This included seniors in Park Place, where he served several terms on the Park Place Strata Council. David was an avid golfer and a member of the Cultus Park Golf Club where he was described as a “true gentleman” on and off the course. He will be missed by many friends there.
Dad’s spirit will live on in the hearts of all whose lives he has touched, especially in ours. Your love and compassion, honesty and integrity made you one of the greatest role models any boy could have. We love you, Dad, and will miss you terribly.
A celebration of David’s life will be held in the Chapel of Henderson’s Funeral Home on Saturday, June 4, 2005 at 1:30 pm. If desired, donations may be made to Abbotsford Learning Plus Society, Abbotsford Community Services or Abbotsford Hospice Society.
Henderson’s Funeral Home
(604) 854-5534