Official Obituary of
Desmond Murray Swithenbank
April 17, 1925 ~ November 12, 2018 (age 93) 93 Years Old
Desmond Swithenbank Obituary
Desmond Murray Swithenbank
April 17, 1925 – November 12, 2018
Desmond Murray Swithenbank, 93, a lifelong resident of Garberville, CA, and a fourth generation Southern Humboldt County resident, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2018 in Fortuna, CA.
Desmond was born on April 17, 1925 in Fortuna. He grew up with his parents (Leo and Gussie) and siblings Barney, Darrell, Marilyn & Joe. After graduating from South Fork High School he joined the United States Army Air Corps in June of 1943 and became a pilot, flying the B29 Superfortress, B24 Liberator and B17 Flying Fortress until his discharge in October 1945.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Ora Marie Lorenzetti Swithenbank, daughters Susan French and Ann Swithenbank, sons Alan and Ken Swithenbank (Laura), sisters-in-laws Kay and Ila Swithenbank. Desmond had five grandchildren Andrea (Brian), Stephanie (Andrew), Katie, Amanda (Jose) and Matthew (Alexis) as well as seven great grandchildren Alex, Olivia, Gabrielle, Brian Desmond, Avery, Savannah and Abel, and many loving nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. Desmond was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was always there to help relatives and friends when they needed him.
Desmond was a respected local business owner in Garberville for many years (Flying A gas station) (Des’ Redwood Motors) (Napa Auto Parts) as well as a commercial fisherman and avid hunter and golfer. He was very hardworking and built his home, the building where his business was run and his 45 ft fishing boat, the DOSAAK. He and his wife Ora loved to travel and had many wonderful trips across the United States & Canada in their travel trailer.
Services are pending.
April 17, 1925 – November 12, 2018
Desmond Murray Swithenbank, 93, a lifelong resident of Garberville, CA, and a fourth generation Southern Humboldt County resident, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2018 in Fortuna, CA.
Desmond was born on April 17, 1925 in Fortuna. He grew up with his parents (Leo and Gussie) and siblings Barney, Darrell, Marilyn & Joe. After graduating from South Fork High School he joined the United States Army Air Corps in June of 1943 and became a pilot, flying the B29 Superfortress, B24 Liberator and B17 Flying Fortress until his discharge in October 1945.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Ora Marie Lorenzetti Swithenbank, daughters Susan French and Ann Swithenbank, sons Alan and Ken Swithenbank (Laura), sisters-in-laws Kay and Ila Swithenbank. Desmond had five grandchildren Andrea (Brian), Stephanie (Andrew), Katie, Amanda (Jose) and Matthew (Alexis) as well as seven great grandchildren Alex, Olivia, Gabrielle, Brian Desmond, Avery, Savannah and Abel, and many loving nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. Desmond was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was always there to help relatives and friends when they needed him.
Desmond was a respected local business owner in Garberville for many years (Flying A gas station) (Des’ Redwood Motors) (Napa Auto Parts) as well as a commercial fisherman and avid hunter and golfer. He was very hardworking and built his home, the building where his business was run and his 45 ft fishing boat, the DOSAAK. He and his wife Ora loved to travel and had many wonderful trips across the United States & Canada in their travel trailer.
Services are pending.
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Services
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