Durward Bruce Swinehart, Jr
April 15, 1927 - May 13, 2021
Carmichael, California - Bruce passed away May 13, 2021 in Carmichael, CA at the age of 94. The son of Durward Bruce, Sr and Oma Marie Swinehart. Bruce was born and raised in Alliance, Ohio. He was very proud to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. Bruce attended many high schools while his father was in the military service. Bruce enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II. After his discharge he moved to North Sacramento, Calif. to be with his parents and sisters, Gail Marie and Royeva Carol. Bruce was a popular teacher, an avid naturalist and well-known environmentalist. His friendliness, warmth and personal dedication helped many to a better understanding of the environment. His education included California State University of Sacramento and further work at Arizona State and Colorado State Universities. He taught at Rio Linda Jr High, Grant Union High, American River College as well as University of California extension classes. He served as a California State Park naturalist and supervising naturalist for 16 years. He joined the staff at America River College in 1958. He taught Biology, Natural History, Ornithology and some summer outdoor classes at Fallen Leaf Lake. He became the Science Division Chairman. He and his students banded many birds. Some of his other experiences included a 6 month, 6000 mile sailing research adventure aboard a 30-foot sloop to the Pacific off-shore islands of Mexico. He taught a conservation course on television, received the American River College Patron Club Award for Excellence in teaching and the Sacramento Audubon Appreciation Award. He also wrote articles for the Sacramento Union and a book 'Nature's Window' illustrated by Jo Smith. He was very active in the community. This is attested to by his charter membership and past presidency of the Sacramento Audubon Society. He was quite involved in the Sacramento Science Center, Urban Creeks Council, and some work with the Golden Empire Boy Scouts Eagle Association. His work with sick, injured and young animals is will known. Bruce enjoyed hunting and fishing and was loved by his family, friends and associates. He will be remember for his sense of humor and wit. His is survived by Jeanne, his wife of 72 years, his son William (Lori) and Robert (Jill) and his granddaughters Rebecca, Kara and Karine Swinehart. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 21st @ 11:00 am at the Lind Brothers Funeral Home, 4221 Manzanita Avenue, Carmichael. Burial with full military honors is at 1:30 pm at the Fair Oaks Cemetery, 770 Olive Street, Fair Oaks.

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Published by The Sacramento Bee on May 19, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Durward Swinehart

6 Entries

John Graff

September 30, 2021

Bruce was one of my very best teachers. He was outstanding in every way, and a joy to be around. His ability to convey information effectively, and his willingness to make learning fun should be an inspiration to teachers everywhere. I spent the last 30 years of my life working with animals in a university setting because of his influence. What a great man! I will always think of him with great love and admiration. I will miss the sound of his voice and his great enthusiasm in the classroom and on field trips. God be with you Bruce!

Diana Halpenny

May 28, 2021

I knew Bruce and Jeanne for many years through Camps Farthest Out and then Journey Farthest Out. Bruce was a delight and every year I looked forward to his recitation from memory of the epic poem, “The Cremation of Sam Magee.” His knowledge of the trees and nature around Lake Tahoe was vast and he often led nature walks for the other campers. God speed, Bruce. Heaven is richer today. And blessings to Bruce’s family, who I know meant everything to him.

PEA

May 24, 2021

After 50 years Mr. Swinehart is still in my top 3 teachers ever. I took his class at ARC and still carry a wealth of information about the Central Valley and Sacramento area natural history. Godspeed Mr.Swinehart.

Craig DeMartini

May 21, 2021

I always dread the news that someone I respect, admire, and love succumbs to the inevitable effects of time.
Bruce was one of my original mentors. His Ornithology class at American River College in 1987 was when I began to be a full-fledged birder. I am so grateful to him for this life-long gift.

Sandra Sunderland

May 19, 2021

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Mr. Swinehart was my favorite teacher and I attended his classes for six years, at Rio Linda Jr. High and at Grant Union High School. He always seemed so glad to see us all and made us feel important and glad to be in his class. He was the first and only teacher that made us aware that Math and Science could be "FUN". I was lucky to be able to see him a few times at our Grant High luncheons and was so happy to see that he still had that amazing smile. He will be missed by many.
Sandi Sunderland
Class of 1958

Jeanette Null Laprezioso

May 19, 2021

I had the good fortune to be Mr. Swinehart's student twice. I was in his homeroom class at Rio Linda Jr. He always wore a lab coat and was very willing to talk to us about the science displays in his room. Then, then, a few years later, I took a class from him at American River Jr. College. He kept us all interested and entertained. I saw him again when he came to one of our Highlands High lunches. Condolences to the family...I know you'll miss him.

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