Las Vegas Sun

May 21, 2012

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Comedian David Swan loses battle to cancer

By Jerry Fink

Published Thursday, May 8, 2008 | 10:37 a.m.

Updated Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008 | 2:14 p.m.

Las Vegas comedian David Swan fought cancer with wit and a smile for five years, but he lost the battle Tuesday.

The 69-year-old native of Wales died at the Odyssey Health Care Hospice.

Longtime friend Dick Feeney announced Swan's passing.

"He was in no pain and on no medications. He was up joking and walking around the day before, but the cancer finally got him. God gave him a merciful end and a new beginning," Feeney said in a message.

Services are pending.

A benefit was held in November for the ailing Swan. He wanted to move to Spain, where has relatives and would be closer to his native Wales. He said before the benefit that he would continue to perform.

For almost 17 years he performed in two Vegas shows -- doing comedy in Feeney's "Viva Las Vegas" in the afternoons and reigning as the King in "Tournament of Kings" at the Excalibur in the evenings.

During his 52 years as an entertainer, Swan shared the stage with some of the best, including Tony Bennett, Charo, Roy Orbison and Billy Eckstine.

He began playing King Arthur at the Excalibur when the casino opened in 1990.

Swan is survived by his wife, Jan.

Read a previous story about Swan .

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