It is with a heavy heart that I, Jennifer Apodaca, share the passing of my beloved father, Melvin Swan, known lovingly to many as Dave. Born on Christmas Eve in 1939 in Shanghai, China, he graced this world with his funny and adventurous spirit for 86 wonderful years. Dave, an emblem of generosity and dedication, led a life that was nothing short of extraordinary. He was a beacon of joy, a pillar of strength, and comic relief of our family.

Dave was a man of many passions. A retired loss prevention officer, he dedicated his life to ensuring safety and security. His adventurous spirit led him to scouting and law enforcement, but his heart found the most joy in country western dancing with his wife Linda. As Mark Twain once said, "Dance like nobody's watching, love like you've never been hurt." Dave embodied this spirit. He loved with a generous heart and danced with an unbridled joy that was infectious to all who were lucky enough to know him.

Dave is survived by his daughters, Janel Tademy, Jennifer Apodaca and Jena Swan; his grandchildren, Shawn Berry and Tiffany Berry, Jayden and Rhonan Anderson, Savanna Swan and his great grandchildren Kristopher and Colton Berry and Araynia Swan; and his sister, Barbara Roth. He now joins his parents, George and Ernestine Swan, his loving wife Linda and their eldest grand daughter Kristin in eternal rest. His enduring love for his family was his guiding light, and he wanted nothing more than for us to find happiness in life. As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the remarkable life he led. His legacy of laughter, love, and adventure will forever live on in our hearts.

Dave once said, "Life is meant to be lived, not just survived." In honoring his memory, let us remember to live our lives with the same zest and passion he did.

Please visit Melvin's memorial page to share your favorite memories and upload photos of our beloved Dave. His spirit lives on in the stories and pictures that celebrate his beautiful life. Your shared memories will offer comfort in this time of loss and serve as a lasting tribute to a man who lived his life to the fullest.