To The Reader’s Forum:

In 1946, my parents Marge and Earl Swart and I, Roger E. Swart, age 6, moved to Ashville, New York, from Jamestown. That move started a lifelong friendship with Dennis S. Card, also age 6, who lived with his parents in Ashville. (We were born on Feb. 6 and Feb. 7, 1940.)

From 1946 to 1959, Dennis and I shared many experiences that two young boys had growing up — Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Explorer Scouts. Attending grade school at Ashville Union Free and on to high school at Chautauqua Central School in Chautauqua from 1955-58.

There was one life experience that I must share, in the winter of 1948, Dennis and I were returning home from school and stopped to play at a farmer’s pond that was frozen over. It was at that moment that I fell through the ice, and Dennis stayed and pulled me free. That act of heroism saved my life; something I’ve never forgotten at my age today of 78. Love you, Dennis.

This past week on Sept. 29, 2018, there was a gathering at the Sherman Fire Department to remember Dennis. I would have loved to be there but due to health problems I was unable to attend. Four of our 1958 senior classmates of Chautauqua Central School did attend and I am grateful that our class was represented.

Growing up in the late 1940s and 1950s was a special time in this country; rock and roll, roller skating at Midway, dating girls from Chautauqua, sports like basketball and baseball at CCS. Dennis and I shared all of those great times together. In 1959 I moved to Los Angeles, California, to start my 42-year banking career, got married, served my country, have to sons and twin grandsons and, with my wife, Jo (RIP), we continued our annual trips home to Jamestown. Each year in the fall, we would come home and Dennis and his wife, Nancy, were always a part of our visits. Dinners at LaScala, golf at Peak ‘n Peek with Dennis’ brother Doug. There were so many great times.

When you lose a lifelong friend as I have, one pauses and looks back on the life we had together. I have special cause to be thankful as my hero extended my life on that winter day in 1948.

I love you, man! RIP, Dennis S. Card.

Roger “Rock” Swart,

Los Angeles, Calif.