Steven "Scotty" Swick

Steven “Scotty” Swick, 57, of Columbus, passed away on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at St. Ann’s Hospital. He was born on October 18, 1963 in Columbus, OH. Scotty led a full life and achieved many accomplishments that were beyond anyone’s real expectations. He could not have accomplished any of this without the love and support of his family, friends, community and most importantly his biggest Cheerleader, Mom. His early life was filled with 4H, proudly showing horses and pigs where he earned many awards. He spent his childhood dreaming of being a cowboy. He loved trail riding on his horse, Gummy, with his big sister, Lea. When he couldn’t ride, he was watching his TV hero, John Wayne, or listening to Waylon and Willie. Rodeos, county fairs and parades were just a normal weekend for Scotty.

Scotty was not just a one-horse kid, he loved many other sports. He was part of the Special Olympics where he participated in track events, bowling and basketball. His love of sports carried over to adulthood where he spent more time watching. Ask him who his favorite team was, and you would always get a different answer. Scotty eventually traded his cowboy boots for golf shoes as he got older and had an undying love for the game. He spent many summers with the DSACO team at the First Tee golf clinics which prepared him for the weekends when his brother, Bill, would let him tag along with Ryan, Chris, Jeff and the gang at the course. However, nothing was better than the annual winter trip to Florida to golf with his Dad! Scotty spent the past 30 years working at ARC industries where he had many wonderful people that made a difference in not only his life, but all the special needs community. Work for Scotty, much like the rest of us, gave him a purpose and he was proud of what he did. But his proudest moment was payday Friday! He would claim “I’m Rich!” However, that elation never rolled over to Saturday night on the town when he would quickly claim “I’m BROKE!” Scotty has lived on his own within a group home setting for the past 30 years with long time roommates, Richard and John, who unfortunately are no longer with us. There have been many devoted staff members that have been selfless in their efforts to assist these men through the daily struggles of life. Scotty had a love of life and was the ultimate showman! There were many nights he begged to get on stage with the band and play his harmonica and perform for the crowd. His passion for performing was also shown in his love for dancing, whether it be at the local tavern or the annual ballroom “Dancing with Our Stars” event. Perhaps a few beers with the boys and Scotty would happily pull out the spoons or do a little hambone to entertain. Scotty’s exuberance would light up a room when he entered. He was outgoing and never met a stranger. A self-introduction often started with a “Remember Me?” and usually led to a hearty hug. He was a true prince and a gentleman, he treated ladies as if they all were his princess. His big smile, infectious laughter and spontaneous personality will leave a big hole in all our hearts. He is survived by his parents, Ray (Ruth Appleman) Swick and Janice (Mike Erlich) Worthington; siblings, Lea Linthicum and Bill (Lisa) Swick; nephews, Austin Swick, Tyler (Kristine) Martin, Eric Fry and Anthony Fry; niece, Emilea Swick and great-niece, Adalyn Swick. Scotty is preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Gary Linthicum. A private family service will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio-DSACO, 510 E. N. Broadway, 4th Floor, Columbus, OH 43214 in Scotty’s memory.

Something to Ponder:

Who knows why Down syndrome occurs? Why does the extra 21st chromosome stick to the cell when the fertilized egg begins its first cell division? It can be compared to what happens in nature, to a field of clover. Usually, we see three leaves on each clover. Once in a while, however, we find a clover that has an extra leaf, making it a four-leaf clover. We don’t know why Mother Nature decided to add that extra leaf… she just did. There is no obvious explanation for it. All of the clover plants grew in the same soil. All were exposed to the same sun and rain. Mother Nature just decided to add an extra leaf to a few clovers in the huge clover patch. This doesn’t make them any better or worse than the other clovers… it just makes them different. And it is widely believed that four-leaf clovers bring good luck… It is much the same way with an extra chromosome. We don’t know why Mother Nature didn’t let the cell divide evenly, but she didn’t. She decided to add another chromosome to that baby’s cells. It doesn’t make that baby better or worse than the other babies… it just makes him or her different. And, if you find yourself the mom or dad with one of those four-leaf clovers… one of those extra-special babies… then you are truly lucky. For they are the most special babies who grow into the most special people. And… you are truly… the luckiest.

– Author ~ Unknown