David R. Swanson

WELLS - David R. Swanson, 66, of Wells, died unexpectedly Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, upon arrival at the Glens Falls Hospital in Glens Falls, NY.
He was born on Jan. 22, 1951, in Waterbury, CT, the son of George and Mary (Nelson) Swanson.
Mr. Swanson grew up in Connecticut, graduating from the Norwalk High School in 1968.
He married Linda Beauchain on June 1, 1991, in Wells.
Mr. Swanson had been employed for many years at Deluxe Printing in CT until relocating to Wells, VT, in 1988. He then became employed at the Orvis Co. in Manchester, VT, as a reel repairman for over 20 years, retiring in 2014.
He enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, hunting, fishing, reading and was a movie fanatic. He had an unbreakable routine of grocery shopping early every Sunday morning, coupons in hand. He loved cooking and was affectionately known as "Chef David" for his love of cooking for his loved ones. He liked watching football and was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan.
Mr. Swanson had been a member of the Southwest Freedom Riders.
Survivors include his wife, Linda Swanson, and a son, Erik Swanson, both of Wells; a stepdaughter, Tiffany Esslinger, of Rutland, and a stepson, Travis Corey, of Clarendon; two sisters: Karen Case, from Inwood, WV, and Sandy Cameron, of Kent, WA, and a brother, Dennis Swanson, of Norwalk, CT; three grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents; also by a son, David R. Swanson Jr., in 2006.
A celebration of his life will be held from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017, at the Poultney American Legion Hall.
Arrangements are by the Aldous Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Special Olympics VT or St. Jude's.