David Swain
December 2, 1955 to October 27, 2020
Obituary
Passed peacefully away at Chancellor Park Nursing Home, St. John’s on Tuesday, October 27, 2020, Captain David Richard Swain of St. John’s, age 64 years. Predeceased by parents: Robert and Margaret Swain and sister Cathy Swain. Leaving to mourn: daughter Rebekah Swain, two sons: Bobby and Sheldon Swain, two granddaughters: Samantha and Breanna, two brothers: James (Pat), Guelph, ON, and Brian (Paula), Victoria; sister, Rosemary (Michael) Purcell, Carbonear; special aunts: Evelyn King, Carbonear and Aunt Audrey Dooley, St. John’s; also a number of nieces, nephews, other family and friends. It was David’s wish to be cremated and to have a private ceremony with close family for the release of his ashes. To honor David’s memory the family will receive relatives and friends at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, St. John’s on Friday, October 30th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. As per David’s wishes there will be no church service. Donations in his memory may be made to your local SPCA.
So sorry to hear about David passing. Our thoughts and prayers to all the family.
The ANTLE family of Victoria are saddened to hear David has passed. Please accept our deepest sympathies at this mose difficult time.
I met David many years ago on a walking trail in Mount Pearl. I was walking, he was on his motorized wheelchair. Our paths crossed many times over the years and we had many conversations. He had a wicked sense of humor and loved to laugh. He would tell me about his life on the boats and about his family. He loved to have a yarn and always had a smile. Despite what life threw at him, I don’t think I ever heard him complain. Deepest condolences to his family and take comfort in the knowledge that he is at peace.
Brian and family, sorry to hear of the loss of your brother David’s passing. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
I will always be reminded of David when it snows!
Last year in the days prior to snowmaggedon David and I were having a conversation about the pending snowstorm.. I remember saying to David: 50-60 cms of snow coming. He looked at me shook his head NO and said 80. Well once the snow came it piled up to 80+ and I thought wow he was right ! When I saw him next I said you were right David. He looked at me and laughed.
A true testament to the Captain he was and actively still following those weather patterns. I never doubted his predictions again 🙂
Sincere condolences to all of David’s family
Your Chancellor Park family will miss you
David & I met when we were patients on the same unit at the Miller Center back in 1998. We shared many chats even though it was difficult for David to communicate even at that time. David still carried on with life to the best level that his disabilites would allow him to do. His spirit was persistent! Condolences to David’s family. May he rest in peace now free from the confines of his disease.
The Swain Family .
As I typed the word “Family” it seemed so very fitting : when David came to Chancellor Park, he became “family” to my husband Patrick Gehue who had been admitted there a few years before David. Like David, Patrick was young when strucken and had had a vibrant family and community life . They immediately became buddies, brothers, cohorts, co-conspirators and confidents to each other. The latter no doubt because truly only each could understand the other!!!
For my children who were young when they lost their father, David’s love for Patrick and their close friendship was such a comfort. It is difficult for all families with loved ones in long term care : to be young and so inflicted is sometimes a very lonely journey for the ill person. David filled a void that no one else could. They traded insults, jabs and jokes and had a beautiful relationship. They personified Family.
If it is any comfort to you all, please know that my family and I also mourn David, and celebrate his Life and his ability to live and love along with you. As Patrick said to me only ten minutes ago when he remembered to tell me of David’s passing, “now he can run”.
Thank you for sharing David with us .
God Bless you David .
Mrs. A. Dooley and family,
My deepest sympathy and prayers are with you and your family.
May he forever rest in peace and be your guardian angel.
Catherine