Daniel James Swindler's Obituary
Daniel James Swindler was born on April 3, 1975 to James and Marjorie Ricks Swindler. Very early in Daniel's life, his parents realized he had an exceptional mind. He had no shortage of energy and talent, which drove him to excel at skiing, karate, art, and academics. Throughout his life, he lived for learning and discovery; he sought enlightenment and truth from many sources. Daniel was loving and nurturing to his seven younger brothers and sisters, and he frequently expressed his love and appreciation to them.
As Daniel matured, he gradually experienced a change in his temperament and abilities. That which had previously been so effortless to him became a struggle. Friendships became harder for him to maintain, but he loved those around him as much as ever. While attending Alta High School, he ran Cross Country and had a passion and talent for athletics. He persevered and overcame many of his hardships, managing to graduate in 1993 with high grades despite the adversity he faced.
Daniel served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Managua, Nicaragua from 1994 to 1996. Though challenging for him in many ways, he served the Lord honorably and enthusiastically. After returning home, he continued to live with devotion and a strong eagerness to serve. Daniel studied the scriptures until the teachings became an inseparable part of his character. He loved to visit LDS temples, and was often found serving in the temple the entire day.
After his mission, Daniel's challenges only increased. He was diagnosed with bipolar, and later schizoaffective disorder--a huge obstacle for someone who had started life with such an incredible mind. His continued optimism and hard work enabled him to graduate with a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University in Latin American Studies in 1999. He had several jobs over the years, but his interests were primarily devoted to God, learning, and exploring the outdoors.
Daniel was no stranger to suffering. He fought an intense mental illness that most of us could barely imagine. He spent much of his life trying to make sense of the world and endure his trials. He was never able to marry and have a family, which he wanted more than anything. Despite all of this, Daniel continued to fight for his happiness. He was blessed with an unusually strong amount of hope and faith, and he never let go of either.
In August of 2010, Daniel stopped by to visit his grandmother. This was the last time he was seen by his family. No word came from him after that, and his family feared the worst. Almost three years went by with no news, but through a miraculous turn of events, his family discovered that he had passed away in South Carolina in October of 2010 while hiking in the outdoors that he enjoyed so much.
Daniel will be greatly missed by his parents, siblings, and in-laws: James and Nancy Swindler, Joseph and Ashley Swindler, Michelle Swindler and Tyler Jones, Stephanie Swindler and Stephen Wells, Lisa Swindler and Jared Campbell, Jamie Swindler and Nicholas Wahlin, Jennifer Swindler, and Matthew Swindler.
As grateful as we are to receive closure, our hearts grieve for Daniel and we miss him. We find comfort in the assurance that he has been reunited with his mother and other beloved family members. We look forward with joy and excitement to the day we will meet Daniel in his whole and perfect form.
Funeral services will be held for Daniel Swindler at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 26th, at 4300 North Canyon Road, Provo, Utah. Guests are welcome to arrive at 10:00 a.m. to greet the family.
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