Sep 5, 1945 - Oct 13, 2024 Passed away suddenly in London, Ontario on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at the age of 79 years. David was born in Smiths Falls, Ontario on September 5, 1945, to Clarence (1973) and Thressa (nee Droppo; 1995) Swayne. He was the loving husband of Dianne Swayne for 54 years. Loving father of Stephanie (Paul Buchan), Seanna (Tim Costello), and Leigh Anne (Brent Shantz). Doting grandfather of Izak Buchan and David Gnepe. Dear brother-in-law of Ronald and Susan White, and Brenda Lee and Daniel McNiven. Dearly missed by Dwayne, Sara, Mike, and Jeff Edgerton, and Clair, Charis, and Felica Kelso and many nieces and nephews. David obtained his PhD in Computer Science from the University of Waterloo in (1975) and was a long-time professor at the University of Guelph. He was instrumental in establishing the University of Guelph-Humber. He was very proud of his long-term work with Canada Centre for Inland Waters and Environment Canada as a private consultant in the early days of artificial intelligence and environmental modelling. His work in this area also took him to many parts of the globe (where he made lasting friendships), including Ethiopia, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Germany, Denmark, Portugal, Scotland, England, Central and South America (and many more). David loved to ski, travel and enjoy a hearty meal with loved ones, often prepared by him. He excelled at many sports throughout his childhood and early adulthood, including basketball, hockey, running and tennis. Later in life, he became an avid cross fitter(!). He was an intense sports fan, cheering on his daughters in a variety of sports, and as a many-years-running president of the "6th player [basketball fan] club" and academic mentor to University of Guelph men's basketball players, and as a dedicated fan of March Madness U.S. College basketball. He loved to spend time with Dianne and "the three girls" and organized many an adventure for them (in various Volkswagen vans). He loved dogs, especially his little 1.5 pound teacup poodle, Zena. He cherished sharing stories of his travels and his vast knowledge of many subjects with his grandsons, as well as cheering them on for all their activities and sports. Although the pandemic years were isolating, he kept them well supplied with Legos and other past times and he designed and helped construct a two-storey tree fort to make sure they were happy. He will be fondly remembered by family and friends alike for his quick wit, friendliness and generosity of spirit. David's family will receive relatives and friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, 519-749-8467. Memorial will be held in the funeral home chapel on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow If you are unable to attend David's service in person you are invited to view his service via livestream on the funeral home website. https://www.henrywalser.com/live-streaming Condolences for the family and donations to, St. Mary's Hospital Foundation-Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, and University of Guelph Gryphon's Athletic Scholarships may be arranged through the Henry Walser Funeral Home (519-749-8467.) Visit www.henrywalser.com for David's memorial.