Patrick Gene Swihart

PATRICK (PAT) GENE SWIHART passed away on August 9, 2024 in San Diego, CA, at the age of 71. 

Pat was born in Three Rivers, Michigan on January 10, 1953 to parents Richard Gene Swihart and Venice Belle Easterbrook. Pat was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife Nancy Britt Swihart, son Shane Patrick Swihart, daughter Brooke Mary Morgan (Nathan) of Georgetown, TX, and grandchildren Redmond, Anabelle, Penelope and Scarlett; stepson Jeremy Pierson (Mai) of Encinitas, CA; stepdaughter Janelle Usrey (Steve) of Oceanside, CA and grandsons Owen and Thomas; sister Gayle Zirkle of Buckhannon, WV; brother Frank Swihart; nephew Gary George of Charleston, SC, and niece Nikki (Kevin) Ortuglio of Lutherville, MD.

While a young boy, Pat’s family moved to Casitas Springs, CA, where he enjoyed a Tom Sawyer-like childhood in the small country town. (Years later he wished he could go back and do it all over again, riding horses, building tree houses, exploring the countryside.)

When the family relocated to Oxnard and Ventura, Pat’s interest turned to surfing, sometimes with his dog “Tuffy” along for the ride.

After a move to San Diego, Pat graduated from Crawford High School, Class of ’71. Independent from the early age at 16, he lived on his own, working at a local tire shop and tinkering with cars. He enjoyed the sport of drag racing and raced at Carlsbad Raceway, cruising the car scene on El Cajon Blvd. in his blue ’67 Chevelle Super Sport.

Pat married Madeline Kelly in 1975 and they became the proud parents of two children, Shane and Brooke. Desert three-wheeling and camping at the Colorado River with other families were favorite recreational activities.

Pat learned the masonry trade and opened SWIHART MASONRY, specializing in patios and spas. As a long-time employee of C.E. Crist, Inc. in Lakeside, he became a master in his trade and licensed as a General Contractor. He had a strong work ethic and took pride in a job well done; his many projects can be seen throughout San Diego County.

Pat was active in the San Diego County Team Penning Association, riding in competitions on his beloved horse, Mark. 

Pat met his future wife, Nancy, in the summer of 2000, and they enjoyed life together for almost 24 years. In their early years, Pat lived on the Crist Ranch in Lakeside and delighted in surprising Nancy with creative projects – building waterfalls, ponds, even a “miner’s shack” and an aged barn decorated with farm antiques. Never at a loss for ideas, nothing seemed beyond his imagination to create. 

In his later years, Pat’s hard-working lifestyle took its toll on his health but he became an inspiration to those who witnessed his courage in handling his struggles. And as the pace of life slowed, he appreciated the simple pleasures of family gatherings, a good meal (with catsup) and a Coors Light.

Pat was known for his fighting spirit to the very end.

“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes it’s the quiet voice at the end of the day whispering “I will try again tomorrow.” - Mary Anne Radmacher