David R. Swelland

David Rudolph Swelland was born on March 17, 1946 in Brainerd, Minnesota to Rudolph and Mary Lou Swelland. He spent his childhood on the family farm raising turkeys and pigs. In 1962 his family moved to San Diego and he graduated from Madison High School in 1965. During high school, David ran cross country and enjoyed working and driving cars and motorcycles. After graduating high school he joined the U.S. Army and married Janet Brunn, together they had two sons, Michael and Eric. David served in the Army 24th Infantry Division spending most of his time in Germany. Upon returning to the U.S. he spent a short time working for San Diego Gas and Electric before perusing his dream as an entrepreneur. His first marriage ended in divorce and in 1982 he married Carolyn Lawson White, who had two children, Kimberly and Eric. Together, David and Carolyn had one daughter, Christina. The family lived in Ramona, where David owned his own business, Swelland's Cage and Supply Co. He was also very involved with Mt. View Community Church and In His Steps Recovery Home. David traveled multiple times to Romania for Heart to Heart Ministry. He enjoyed talking about Jesus to everyone he came in contact with. In 2006, David and Carolyn moved to Poway, where he enjoyed volunteering at the Poway Midland Railroad and drinking his mochas at Starbucks. David was predeceased by his sister, Mary Jane Swelland, father Rudolph Swelland, mother Mary Lou Swelland, grandson Kenan White, and granddaughter Sandra Volk. He is survived by his wife Carolyn Swelland, sister Karen Kuester, sons Michael and Eric Swelland, daughter Christina Smith, stepchildren Kimberly Wylie and Eric White, son in laws, Kyle Wylie and Dana Smith, daughter in law, Debbie White, and 14 grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or H2H International, P.O. Box 1832, Ramona, Ca 92065.

A celebration of David’s life will be held at 1pm, Friday, Sept 16, 2011, Mountain View Community Church, corner of Hwy 78 and Ash St, Ramona.

Bonham Bros. & Stewart Mortuary and Cremation Service is assisting the family.

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