Rick Swann (L.) and George McGinnis
from George McGinnis, of York Mixed Martial Arts Academy:
This past Sunday, family, friends and teammates said goodbye to Rick Swann, who recently lost his life to cancer. His visitation and memorial service was held Sunday at the Heffner Funeral Chapel in York.
Many people from across the coast traveled to support Rick’s family. Danny Ives (Lloyd Irvin black belt) was present at the service among other training partners and students. After brief discussion between Ives, McGinnis and fellow team mates prior to Rick’s passing, it was easily agreed that Swann’s long over due promotion to Purple should be appropriately awarded before or after Rick’s passing. Swann was informed of his promotion during his conscious time at the hospital and smiled in appreciation. Due to unfortunate timing, the promotion wasn’t awarded until the memorial service, but was done so in good fashion.
McGinnis, Ives and teammates placed Swann’s Purple belt with him before the viewing concluded and accompanied the moment with a show of respect by all present team members bowing to Swann. Swann’s family thanks all of whom were present before and after Rick’s passing in support through this difficult time of mourning.
Coach McGinnis said, “This was and continues to be one of the most difficult times for us as a team and for me from personally. I had the ongoing pleasure of speaking with Rick frequently and took advantage of getting to know him while I could. The promotion was a ‘tear jerker’. It was unquestionably overdue. Anyone who knew Rick and spent time with him and witnessed his knowledge would agree to the fact that he had a natural talent and passion to teach. Us losing Rick has multiple consequences. We not only lost a great friend, but we’ll never have the opportunity to grow from his obvious experience and work ethic. We can only hope that Rick lives on vicariously through his son. He will be greatly missed.”
