Swithin Moad

S.L. has gone from this earth to go on his next great adventure. Swithin Lee Moad was born in Okla. City on May 27, 1930, to James Evan and S.G. (Brintle) Moad. He passed from this life at home on Jan. 30, 2011. S.L. lived his first five years in Tenn. He returned to Okla. and lived many places before moving to Mt. View, Okla., where he graduated high school in 1948. He earned degrees from Carnegie Jr. College, South Community Jr. College, and Okla. State University. In 1950 S.L. married Elaine Halsted. Elaine is the mother of his children. In his young adulthood S.L. had jobs as a ranch hand and at a hardware store. He later owned a commercial trash company and Denton's Frame Shop. In 1958 he found his calling at the Okla. City Fire Dept. He loved every minute of it and moved swiftly through the ranks. S.L. was a paramedic and saved many lives when he rode the rescue squad. He was also on the dive team. In 1979 S.L. received the honor of Firefighter of the Year for risking his life to prevent a man from jumping off a fifth story ledge. He was on the Dept. for almost 35 years. The last 13 yrs. S.L. was a District Chief. He was highly respected by his men. He was proud of his sons, John and Mike, who also became District Chiefs. His son-in-law, Richard, is on the Dept. as well. S.L. was a blood donor who donated over 17 gals. of blood. He was a Boy Scout Leader, volunteered at the Foundation For The Disabled, and the Red Cross. S.L. was a man of many interests and was never bored with life. He read thousands of books. S.L. belonged to the Civil War Round Table, Okla. Historical Society, Cowboy Hall, Retired Firefighters, and many other organizations. S.L. rode motorcycles most of his life; his favorite was his BMW. He took many memorable trips with his son, Joe, and daughter, Chrissy, when they were young. S.L. liked Bluegrass and Traditional music and loved the Scottish bagpipes. On Jan. 26, 1990 S.L. married Mary Symes. They enjoyed an exciting, happy, loving life together. S.L. was a wonderful dancer, and he and Mary were known around town as The Dancers. S.L. and Mary loved to travel, taking many bus and car trips. They had such good times making memories. S.L. and Mary celebrated their 21st anniversary just days before he passed away. Even though he was too ill to twirl his Mary around the dance floor, he had his kids come over to drink a toast to celebrate their special day. It meant a lot to them. S.L. is survived by his beloved wife, Mary, his first wife, Elaine, his brother, Jerry (Roberta) Moad, sons, John (Mary Lou), Mike (Maria), and Joe Moad, and a daughter, Christina (Richard) Fulton, stepchildren Curtis (Donna), Darrell (Tracee), and Dale Symes, and Sandy (Jerry) Semler, eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, six step-grandchildren, and three step-great-grandchildren, and many other family members and friends, all of whom brought much joy to his life. S.L. was precedeceased by his sister, Trena (George) Deffenbaugh, and his daughter-in-law, Cori Moad. As one of his sons said, ''A great man'' has died. We all love him so very much. He will live forever in our hearts, and words cannot express how greatly we will miss him and his love and protection for his family. He is free from pain and he is resting in the arms of the Lord. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Firefighters Memorial, The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, or donate blood to the Okla. Blood Institute. A celebration of S.L.'s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sun., Feb. 20 at Our Lord's Community Church, 11400 N. Portland.