Bayard J.C. Swift

Bayard “Bud” J.C. Swift, age 83, of Bear, DE, passed away peacefully at home, Saturday, February 6, 2016 from multiple health problems. Bayard spent 55 years at Artesian Water Company where he was a dedicated employee and uniquely qualified for many positions. His last 3 years were spent working part-time. He was a lifelong member of the NRA, and in his younger years, was an expert marksman pistol shooter, winning many trophies. He belonged to many organizations: Contractors Association, Middletown Chamber of Commerce, Chesapeake Water Works and the American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE). Bayard served as Director, Vice President and President of Miss Utility and was inducted into the First State Highway Hall of Fame in 2001. Bayard was a member of the Cavalier Country Club, serving on the green committee and he enjoyed bowling, going to the casinos and watching the Phillies and Eagles. Over the years, Bayard especially looked forward to spending time at White House Beach in Millsboro where he would fish in the bay and ocean. Bayard will be dearly missed by his wife and best friend of 41 years, Eleanor Carpenter Swift; his step-children, Linda Selestok (Thomas) of Brunswick, MD and Gorman R. Swift, Jr. of Bluffton, SC; children, Sherry Hagerty (David) of Seaford, DE, and Preston L. Swift (Valera) of Cypress, CA; 5 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; brothers: Gilbert (Carol), Kenneth (Dorothy Comer) and Raymond; and sister, Barbara Greer (Terry). He was predeceased by his parents, Bayard and Edith Swift; brother, Gorman Swift, Sr; and sisters, Olivia Miller and Marie Proud. A visitation will be held on Friday, February 12, 2016 from 10am-12pm at the Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Road, Newark, DE 19702 followed by a service in celebration of Bayard’s life at 12pm. Burial immediately following at Red Clay Creek Church Cemetery, 500 McKennans Church Rd, Wilmington, DE 19808. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Heartland Hospice, 256 Chapman Road, Suite 102, Newark, DE 19702. For directions or to send an online condolence visit stranofeeley.com.

Bayard J.C. Swift

May 14, 1932 - February 6, 2016

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