Funeral held for man slain while installing security system at Corona home
RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KABC) -- Hundreds of motorcycles led the way as a man killed in a violent rampage last week was laid to rest Friday.
Family and friends packed the pews at Harvest Christian Fellowship to remember Barry Swanson. He was one of three people killed in a Corona home, where he was working as a contractor for ADT Security.
Those who loved Swanson said he loved life and brought people of all walks together.
"He would see how much people loved him, and I know he's riding with us," said Marie "Bubbles" Stakias.
Swanson was a longtime motorcycle rider. Outside, hundreds of bikes filled the parking lot. His own Harley sat out front as his children carried the Vietnam veteran's flag-draped coffin.
During the eulogy, his ex-wife, Donna, told mourners they remained friends. He even sent her one of his last text messages on what would have been their 39th wedding anniversary.
"It said 'where there is a human being, you can find kindness,'" she said.
His oldest son, Josh, remembered how his dad made it a point to meet new people daily.
"Even the work he did, he got to go to customers' homes," said Josh Swanson. "I always called him a great salesman, and he wasn't. He was just really good at meeting new people every day."
Swanson was killed last week while installing a security system at a Corona home. Police said the homeowner's son attacked the 62-year-old and two other men with a bat, killing all three.
"His life means more than the end, it's not that. There is going to be something out of this, and we don't know what it is," said Jeremy Swanson, the victim's son.
His daughter called him the most amazing man she ever met.
"He always made me feel so special and warm," said Lesli Harvey. "I had the deepest connection, and I felt like nobody could quite grasp that, just me and my dad."
Dozens of riders led the way for Swanson's final ride to the Riverside National Cemetery. The day ended with tears and a final salute to the family patriarch.
