Obituary

IN LOVING MEMORY OF SWIFT ALPHONOSO BURCH III

BELOVED HUSBAND, FATHER, SON, BROTHER & FRIEND

MAY 8, 1969 - MAY 21, 2025

After a long and courageous battle with rectal cancer, Swift Alphonso Burch III was ushered into Heaven on May 21, 2025. No longer in pain, he is in the most beautiful place anyone on earth could ever imagine. 

Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Swift carried the spirit of resilience and excellence from his earliest days. He graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School as a member of the Roughriders football team before  attending Temple University where he played football for the Owls, and became one of the strongest alum there is. While at Temple, Swift formed lasting friendships and relationships, many of whom he spoke with during his final days in the hospital. Those conversations provided an opportunity for friends to send one last message of love when Swift couldn’t speak back, but could only hear their love for him.

A gifted athlete and devoted teammate, he pursued his dreams with unwavering determination, ultimately earning his place in professional football. Swift briefly played for the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers in the National Football League (NFL) and the Toronto Argonauts, Ottawa Rough Riders and Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League (CFL), where he left his mark not only through his athletic ability, but also his dedication on and off the field.

Swift lived in Canada for a number of years before moving to Phoenix and joining the Board of Big Brothers Big Sisters. He was a Big Brother for many years to Keenan, whom he saw all throughout his formative years. To this day Swift and Keenan, now a grown young man, keep in contact even after he moved out of state.

Beyond the stadium lights, Swift was a simple, deeply devoted family man. He was a loving husband to Chantelle and together they built a life rooted in commitment, strength, and shared purpose.

Swift and Chantelle met at church bible study 15 years ago. Swift joined the church in 2009, while Chantelle has been a member for the past 22 years. Together they committed to put Jesus at the center of their marriage. Their vows rang true for better or worse, for richer for poor, in sickness and in health. Jesus, their church and the body of Christ has been the foundation of their marriage and their family from beginning to the end.

Swift was a PROUD and LOVING father to their two children, Sydah Jayde Burch and Swift Kenzo Burch IV, whose lives are a reflection of his warmth, strength, and UNWAVERING LOVE.

Swift was diagnosed with rectal cancer in 2016, his son only three years old when the long battle began. Through every surgery, treatment and trial, Swift faced his illness with intense bravery and grace. Many new faces in their lives had no idea of Swift’s battle because the family chose to show up for their kids and live life to the fullest, as best his body was able to, until the end. By Swift’s choice, he put the word cancer behind him, in order to be present and live life for his kids. Being present for soccer and academics was of most pride for Swift, and guiding his children with life lessons was the most meaningful and memorable for him. He loved his children to the depths of his soul.

His strength inspired all who knew him, and his legacy of perseverance, compassion, and resilience will live on through Sydah and Kenzo.

He will be remembered for his quiet but confident demeanor, fierce loyalty, and the profound love he had for his family. Though he has left this world, Swift’s spirit remains alive in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

In his own final words, Swift shared how he wished to be remembered:

"I am a man of few words, when I do say something, I mean it. When I say I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it. I cherish my friendships, my time with people. Most importantly, I am an amazing father. My kids know that I love them—I say it all the time, I show it all the time. I don’t think I’m leaving this world with them having any doubt about my love. I’ve made a lasting impact on them. That will stay with them forever."

Swift is survived by his loving wife Chantelle, their two children Sydah Jayde Burch and Swift Kenzo Burch IV; his mother Joyce P. Burch; sister Christina (Rahman) Glassgow; brothers Brian Burch, Green Miller III, and Gregory Miller; niece Leela Glassgow; nephew Christopher Burch; father-in-law Henry LaRoque, mother-in-law Yvonne LaRoque, sister-in-law Dallas (Chris) Trumble, as well as extended family, his church community, and a wide circle of friends and teammates from Temple University (#TempleTUFF).

He is welcomed into Heaven and reunited with his father Swift Burch Jr., grandfather Swift Burch Sr. and grandmother Verna Burch.

Rest in Heaven, Swift.

You fought with unmatched bravery and lived with purpose. Your legacy of love, strength, and unwavering faith will live on forever in your children—and we know you’ll always be watching from the sidelines, cheering them on as they play the game you loved.