ROCK ON — The 90th and final wooden rocking horse built by beloved area farmer David Swenson, who passed away April 12. (Star Eagle photo by Kathy Paulsen)
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
I only met David Swenson once, when he brought his horse to Geneva to be sold at the auction’s cancer crusade. Just that one time made me realize this was a man of the world. Swenson was a man that I'd not soon forget.
This 90th rocking horse creation of his was the last, as on the following Tuesday, April 12, he left his family, his woodworking and many worthy deeds behind. It is only befitting that we honor and pay tribute to this admirable man for his love of his work, his fellowman and charity.
Indeed, he was a wealthy man, as evidenced by the throng of people who came to pay honor to this hard working, kind and worthy man at the time of his passing. He did his best at whatever he did, whether it was farming, serving his community, caring for his friends, woodworking or just being a loving role model to his family.
He had much passion and pride for this big wooden rocking horse he had created, built and gave to people he loved. This beautiful creation was big enough for a small adult, like LaJune Hagen, who tried it on for size at the cancer auction.
Apparently, he had made almost 100 of these beautiful critters. Starting with Matt, his grandson, he made sure all his grandchildren could ride their own steed. If he had a creed, I dare say it was to, "Do the best with what you do best,” which is a legacy he passed on to his children and grandchildren.
Upon meeting him, I instantly had a good feeling he was a good man who liked everybody and who everybody liked. If there were more like him, what a difference it would make in our world.
I sat there so impressed with him just being "himself.” He had that unforgettable factor about him, and meeting the rest of his family at his funeral proved that. Seeing his many friends murmuring things like, “To know him was to like him, or, “He liked everybody.”
Again, based on my brief encounter with him and his family, I know in my heart of hearts that he was a man true to himself, his family and his friends. We could do well with more David Swensons in our lives. We were so fortunate to have known and experienced the life of one very special man.
It is hard to believe that I had just spoken with David on Saturday night, April 9, when he had brought in his wooden rocking horse for the cancer auction in Geneva. He was so proud of this wooden animal. The workmanship he had put into its creation showed in the beauty of the price it earned, $500.
His children and his children’s' children will continue to do their best at what they do best. He passed on an honest niceness, which will live on for years to come, and so will the pride in their faces for this remarkable man.
My sympathy to what is lost, but oh how great it was to have known him!
