Gareth Swanepoel was a loving Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Uncle, and a fierce friend. His warm smile and hearty laugh were ever present. Gareth was a gentle soul and a gentleman. Born in Johannesburg South Africa in 1972, Gareth came to the United States in 2001.
The job that he came to America for was shuttered after the tragic events of 9/11. Gareth worked hard labor jobs, until he found a job working as a database administrator. That role would eventually lead Gareth to become a published author, a renowned speaker at international conventions, and a Program Manager for the Microsoft Azure Synapse Analytics Product Group.
Gareth was an amazing cook. He was a connoisseur of barbequed meats and South African delicacies. His brisket and biltong were well known, and prepared and generously given to friends. Gareth was an authority on wine, bourbon, and whiskey and loved to share a glass with his neighbors and friends.
Gareth was a musician who played bass in church and lover of music who collected many vinyl albums. He loved to put them on to entertain, or to educate family and friends who had never heard the music.
Gareth was also a history buff and Civil War re-enactor for the Straw Hats. Gareth encouraged his friends and participated in the Ron Jon & Space Coast triathlon’s. An avid sports lover Gareth was passionate about Spingbok’s Rugby, Cricket, Formula One racing, Boston Red Sox baseball, and Georgia Bulldogs football.
Gareth was a devout Christian with a strong life long relationship with Jesus Christ. He is survived by his mother Joyce; wife Kellie; sisters Kirsty and Tessa; brother Bernard; his son Chris; daughter Lilly and his step children Joshua, James, and Kristen.
To watch the service live, please click on the link below.
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This heritage started 67 years ago with Pastor Herbert F. Loomis, who founded the First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1934. In 1938 Francis E. Loomis, son of Pastor Herbert F. Loomis, received his license to practice Mortuary Science and in 1941 established Loomis Funeral Home of Winter Garden, FL. 
420 W Main St
Apopka, FL 32712-3452
Juan Martinez says
Gareth, I am beyond words. You were a loving person with a great heart. I will leave you with the last words that I texted you with. Love you brother! Rest In Peace my friend.
Veronique Palmer says
Gone too soon brother, like all earth angels. Kellie is devastated. Still, I know in my heart the two of you will be reunited one day. Thank you for loving my sister for 3 decades, you brought her back to life and she loved you with every fibre of her being. Being included in your absolutely incredible fairytale wedding was one of the greatest privileges of my life! It was a day of the utmost love and respect and a total joy to witness. Rest in peace Gary.
Prudie Palmer Erasmus says
Dearest Kellie and all of Gareth’s family,
My deepest sympathy for all of you today, especially my darling niece, Kellie. Such a terrible loss and
so sad for you dear Kellie. May you find comfort in the loving Father above, sending lots of strength ,
love and hope to you, keeping you in my prayers every day, with love from your Aunty Prudie and family
here in NZ 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Paula Davidson says
While no-one can fill the hole created by the loss of Gareth, you loving husband, please know that you are so loved by all of us, far and wide. When you ready and want a catch up, I am here and always will be. Sending you love, God’s strength to carry you and hold you tightly on his arms. From Paulz, Kev and Tyz
Ginger Grant says
Gareth was such a bright happy soul that he brought joy all those who knew him. I was fortunate enough to work with him for a while and then continue our friendship at various technical events we both attended. His ready smile and laugh graced many a conversation. The world is a dimmer place without his shining presence.
My heart goes out to his family as there are not really words to cover how great your loss is. I am sure you miss him greatly as does everyone else who’s lives Gareth touched.
Gavin says
Gary, I never met you, but I know how happy you made my sister Kellie and how much she loves you. I thank you for that. Your work here is done, Rest In Peace.
Kate fowles nee Wilmot says
Sending condolences to you all. Gareth was a very kind and fun guy.
Kristen says
Our Garry ❤️ I don’t know where to begin, I am so thankful for little time Marcel and I got to spend with you we are honestly so blessed.
I just want to thank you for loving my Mom the way you did and I know you will always love her, I sat back and said to Marcel I see the way you looked at my mom and realized that’s how we should look at one’s wife or husband at that moment I realized what true love looked like and I thank you for that 💞I am so blessed to have gained another Dad!
You may be gone but you will definitely not be forgotten.
My love and condolences goes out to all his loved family and friends around the world.
We loved you lots.
From your Stepchildren in South Africa❤️
Rose says
You will be loved and missed dearly ❤️
Doug Pearce says
Gareth and I worked together for over a year at Microsoft and he was one of the nicest people I had the pleasure to work with. He always made himself available to help out and did it with a smile. I really enjoyed my time with him and when he got his new role working with the Synapse Product Group I was thrilled for him, but very sad to no longer have him on my accounts. Gareth was a great person and he will be missed dearly. My sincerest condolences for your loss.
Ronald Simpson says
Gareth was as unusual as his name. Truly one of a kind. I only knew Gareth for a short time playing music in a church.band. He loved his iPhone,
mostly for the tech that made all it’s features possible. I loved the way he played his guitar and even bought one of his old ones. Gareth will be missed by many .myself included.
Keshav Pokkuluri says
I am sorry for your loss and would like to offer my heartfelt condolences.
Gareth was a good colleague, great friend and a fantastic human being. I am going to miss our weekly calls, friendly discussions and his big smile. Synapse Team is with you during this time of healing.
Larry Jackson says
Brilliant, generous man with a pure heart and a glorious sense of humor. I always knew your treasure was unseen. Rest In Peace and Rise in Glory my good friend, save a spot for me, nearby 💕🙏🏽
Ingy Palmer says
Dear Kelly,
May God give you, for every storm, a rainbow
For every tear, a smile
For every care, a promise
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends
A faithful friend to share
For every sigh a sweet song
And an answer for each prayer..
Take care..
Hayley Callanan says
Dear Kellie and Swanepoel family,
I did not know Gary that well, but from having met him, albeit briefly, I could tell that he was a big guy, with a HUGE heart. He was a big softy and an avid proclaimer of Jesus Christ. All these things combined, make him a wonderful man, in my eyes. Taken far too soon, thereby unable to complete the next chapter of his life.
Our sincerest condolences go out to Kellie and the rest of the Swanepoel family. Hopefully you can find peace in the fact that Gary has been returned to the arms of his best friend and Maker, the Lord, Jesus Christ.
All our love, thoughts and Prayers, Hayley, Ray, James and Jared Callanan.
Mel Goodwin says
Kellie and family much love goes to you during this difficult time. Thinking of you all. Xxx
Chantelle Blunt says
My Dearest Kelly … I have no words to ease this heartache, but am I here for you …I will light a candle for Gary tonight. Peace and Light and Love …Chan
Ron Jones says
Chris and Lilly, I want you to know your dad was a great guy and a good friend to me. If we all had friends like your dad, the world would be a better place.
Kellie, I really don’t know what say, my heart is broken for you at your loss.
To Gareth’s mom and siblings, I also feel I have lost a brother who still had so much to offer to all who knew him.
Gareth, big G, you will be missed by all but maybe one we will all Braai again in our Fathers House.
Di-Anne Devenish Seebregts says
Dearest Gareth
I don’t have one single negative memory of my time with you.
You filled every room with your laugh, brightened every moment with your smile, and built a bridge into my life and the lives of all who knew you when you looked into our eyes.
Our time together will never be enough. Our love for you will never fade.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family and all your other friends.
Donald Peterman says
I have known you from the time you came to America, you where one of the most smartest, kindest, funniest person I’ve ever had the pleasure to know. We have been together in all kinds of situations in many states of this country, even on trains. I will miss you my brother. But it know where you have gone. There are a lot of the 7Florida Company-B there and with all your family that has gone before you, I think you will not be alone.
Say high to Mark & Paul for me. I will see you when I get there. Love ya man.
Stuart Ainsworth says
RIP, brother. You were special, and we miss you.
Stacey DeCosmo says
I was saddened to hear about the loss of Gareth. He was a wonderful person and I am truly glad to have met him. Prayers to his family and friends. He will be missed.
Jessica Thomas says
Gareth was the heart of any party. He loved welcoming people into his circle and making them feel at home, and every person he met was immediately a friend. I am not one to feel comfortable with strangers, but Gareth never saw me a stranger – I was just “Jess!!!!” and I belonged. His bright and generous spirit will be missed greatly by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him, and I take comfort in knowing the faith that was a cornerstone of his life sees him as moving onto a new party that he will no doubt become the center of.
Tony Riggi says
My condolences to the entire Swanepoel family. Particularly his wonderful children Chris & Lilly, their mom Jen and his wife Kellie. My heart breaks for all of you.
Gareth was a man that was so full of life. It’s what makes this so difficult and hard to understand.
You could not help but to be happy when you were around Gareth. He would have it no other way. I’ll cherish and remember fondly all the times I had the privilege to hang with you. Whether it was playing softball, golf(especially in Sebring), tennis, Saturday Night Service, having lunch when you were in town, or just at the numerous Braais wherever.
You were a kind, gentle and great humored man. You will be missed, but I know that we will meet again. Until then Mate!