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David Swaim

August 12, 1947 - February 7, 2005
Carmel, IN

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Visitation

Friday, February 11, 2005
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM EST

Service

Saturday, February 12, 2005
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM EST

Life Story / Obituary


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David D. Swaim knew how to connect with people from all walks of life. He was a “people person” in the truest sense of the word and had a way of making anyone feel comfortable. However, for David, the greatest source of happiness in his life was his family. He loved his children equally and unconditionally, and many of his dearest memories in life involved the 35 years he spent with his wife.

The year was 1947 and the world was slowly emerging from the darkness of World War II. Prosperity had replaced despair and people were beginning to enjoy themselves again. It was into these happy times that Carl E. and Pauline E. (Johnson) Swaim of Fort Wayne, Indiana, welcomed the birth of their first child, son David, on August 12, 1947. Three years later, he was joined by his sister, Rhonda.

David spent his growing up years in a close-knit neighborhood in the suburbs of Fort Wayne, where he had many close friends that he stayed in contact with throughout his life. He was also very close with his extended family including relatives on both the Johnson and Swaim sides- staying connected was very important. As a young boy, David had a passion for reading and often preferred books to toys and was a member of Boy Scouts. He was also known to be a bit ornery, perhaps causing the retiring of a teacher or two. Since Carl and Pauline, David’s parents, had not graduated from college, they greatly encouraged both their children to pursue their educations and be all that they could be. David took this advice to heart, and after attending Waynedale Elementary School, Kekionga Junior High School and graduating from Elmhurst High School in 1965, he attended I.U.P.U.F.W., where he earned his accounting degree in 1970.

In 1966, when David was a sophomore in college, he met the love of his life, Barbara Strock, who was a freshman. David was helping to find people to donate blood at the blood drive on campus, and Barbara was one of those charitable people. The young couple soon began dating and after a three-year courtship, they were happily married on June 21, 1969, the first day of summer, at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Warsaw, Indiana. Throughout his life, David treasured this day as one of the greatest gifts in his life.

The newlyweds stayed in the Fort Wayne area until David graduated in 1970. He then took a job with Price Waterhouse and they moved to Greenwood, located on the south side of Indianapolis. David was one of the first twelve people hired to start the new office in Indianapolis. In 1973, the family re-located to Carmel, and David became quite active in his community. However, after seven years, he left Price to work at Channel 13 for a brief time as the business manager until later joining Bindley Western and eventually becoming their C.F.O. Later, David started his own consulting business called Ironwood Corporation, which he operated until his death. His company was involved with many companies in the area, assisting them with various business decisions. Some time later, David started yet another company called Accounting Services, Inc., which he maintained until about a year ago. When he wasn’t working, he was also active in several community organizations. David was a member of the Carmel Masonic Lodge as a 32nd Degree Mason, Scottish Rite and the Carmel United Methodist Church. Additionally, he chaired the continuing education committee of the Indiana Certified Public Accountants.

Though David worked hard to achieve success in the accounting world, there was nothing more important to him than his family. He and Barbara were blessed with three wonderful children: Emily, Jamie and Tom – each of their births adding yet another incredible gift of joy to his life. David loved being a father and would do anything for his children. He was very much a fair-minded parent and took the time to sit and talk with them. His quiet self-assurance provided his children with a sense of security, as did his wise counsel. David sparked an interest in his sons for Boy Scouts, something he loved as a young boy. He was always involved in some way with the Scouts whether as a leader and major participant in fundraisers to being the District Chairman. David was also the recipient of the Silver Beaver Award. But, no matter what they did, David was always very proud and supportive of his children.

A man of many interests and talents, David was an avid admirer of cars and boats, particularly fast speed boats. As a child, his family spent many memorable summers on the lake, which left a lasting impression on David that went well into his adulthood. He always liked to have a nice car, his first being a MGTF, which was paid for with the money they were saving for a house! David and Barbara enjoyed traveling a bit in their early years of marriage and after they had children, David looked forward even more to taking family vacations. He enjoyed just about any kind of music and especially liked going to Jimmy Buffet concerts. As a loyal fan, David was true to his alma mater – IU and Bob Knight. However, with his wife, sister and two kids all Purdue alumni, it was sometimes difficult for him to take. David did achieve one I.U. graduate when son Tom transferred and graduated from Indiana University Kelley School of Business. This is something David was proud of.

Throughout his life, David was always a people’s person. He was very warm and charming, and he was also bright and witty. Just about anything he said could light up someone’s face with a smile. As a very trustworthy man, his business associates, friends and family respected him greatly, both for his strength and his unconditional love. He was a strong father figure with his children, who knew that they could always count on him. His favorite holiday was Thanksgiving, for it was a time when the family all came together, not to mention the great feast of turkey and delicious pies, including his favorites - blueberry, pumpkin and cherry. David and Barbara lived in the same house in Carmel, Indiana for 26 years. It is the place he called home, and the place where he created many cherished memories with his family and friends.

David will be remembered by his family as a wonderful husband and father. An outgoing individual who enjoyed getting to know people, he will also be remembered and greatly missed by all how knew him. David’s mind and creative way of problem solving will be sorely missed by many friends and business associates.

David D. Swaim of Carmel, IN, died on Monday, February 7, 2005. His family includes his wife, Barbara (Strock) Swaim; children: Emily Damson (Michael), Jamie Swaim (Ericka), and Tom Swaim; sister, Rhonda Kittle; and mother-in-law, Geraldine Strock.

Friends and family will gather on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Leppert Life Story Funeral Home, Smith Carmel Chapel. A memorial service to celebrate David’s life will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday in Carmel United Methodist Church. Please visit David’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory, arrange for flowers or make a memorial contribution to either the Boy Scouts of America or St. Vincent Hospital Foundation.