Obituary of David Wayne Swagar

September 6, 1948 – Calgary, Alberta

March 23, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

David Wayne Swagar of Calgary, AB passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at the age of 73, in the loving company of his family.

David spent the years of his childhood and youth in Calgary and spoke fondly of camping adventures with his brothers and family meals with his many siblings. In the later part of his youth, David moved to Lake Cowichan working in forestry for a brief period before continuing and completing his studies at Camosun College. David later returned to Alberta where he enjoyed a period of working at the Banff Springs hotel. He often reminisced of the perfect timing presented in meeting his dear wife Catherine (Jullien) in this time. They would soon begin what would become 47 happy years of marriage on December 28,1974.

Shortly after, David began his career in the oil & gas sector with Ace Explosives – a career that he truly loved! This would take he and Cathy to the northern Alberta city of Grande Prairie with his two young sons, David Jr. and Steven who would soon be joined by the birth of his daughter Christina. As an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, David formed life-long friendships. His service with the church in sacramental ministries as well as his membership in the Knights of Columbus gave his heart of service true purpose.  David returned to Calgary with his family in 1995 to spend what he would describe as “the happiest years of his work life” with Western Explosives. David was a friend to many throughout his industry. He had a way of connecting with people which forged friendships that would span his career. His friends and colleagues in the world of Geophysical Seismic Exploration would no doubt agree that he personified the heart of the Doodlebug. Some of his happiest times found him enjoying the company his peers at countless DoodleSpiels, Ski-Sprees and SEG events and conferences. Everyone knew “Swags”.

With his return to Calgary, David once again connected with a church community that he loved. As a member of Holy Spirit Parish, David joyfully served in greeting parishioners at Saturday’s 5pm Mass and weekly adoration on Wednesday mornings. To his eight grandchildren he was lovingly known as “Papa”. David loved to ski and happily served as a volunteer Resort Host at Nakiska in the years of his retirement. He also loved to work outside throughout his life and found joy in keeping his yard in beautiful condition.

He will be lovingly remembered as a man of true integrity. A man who lived life on his own terms and a man who left a legacy of memories to be cherished by those he loved.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (10827 – 24th Street S.W., Calgary, AB) on Monday, April 4, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow at the Church. The family warmly welcomes all to attend.  Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr Swagar's service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of David Swagar, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

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