Davids Slaidins (Slaidiņš - in Latvian)

Davids Slaidins (Dāvids Slaidiņš - in Latvian) was a young Latvian who had spent 14 of his 30 years of life in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, USA, thanks to the support of the Church of Christ for orphans in Latvia.

Davids received education at Kaibala Elementary School (Kaibalas pamatskola), Viesite Secondary School (Viesītes vidusskola), Daugavpils Logopedic Boarding Elementary School Development Center (Daugavpils Logopēdiskās internātpamatskolas-attīstības centrs) and Coventry Christian School (graduated in 2014). In 2015, he started studies at Northampton Community College.

David was a Christian. He was an active member of Camp Hope (Nometne Cerība) for orphans and foster children: https://www.facebook.com/groups/230178453705405.

Dāvids was involved in the folk dance group "Dzirkstele" of the local Latvian community for a while.

David's mother died in 2006. After this accident, Davids used to live in foster families in Latvia and later in the US.  His sister's daughter Elina was brought up by her father.

David's foster parents in the US:  Mark Niehls (Principal of Coventry Christian School) and Beverly J. Niehls (General Physician). Both are kind supporters of Latvian orphans.

Davids referred to himself as "Davidson" often regarding relationships with foster parents.

Biological parents - father Evgeni Slaidins died in a car crash, mother Tatjana Slaidiņa (12.08.1955-29.11.2006) lived in Jekabpils (Jēkabpils).

Siblings -  brother Alex (Aleksejs) died in a car accident with his father,  sister Alisa died in a car crash in 2007.

Niece (daughter of Alisa) Elina (Elīna Slaidiņa) - studying in the UK.

David's wife - Megan Erika (Swigart) Slaidins - married on 30th of October 2017. They did not have any children. 

After college, Davids most recently worked for Electron Energy Corporation, making high-grade rare earth magnets for special medical, military, and aerospace applications.

David died suddenly on June 18, 2023, in the US, just two days after his 30th birthday. He was found dead in a car.

The private funeral service for Davids was held at 11:00 am on 26.06.2023 at Houck and Gofus Funeral Home at 955 N. Charlotte Street, Pottstown, PA 19464in Pottstown, PA.

Mark, Davids's foster father, writes: "I have never been more sorrowful in all my life. It has been a long, difficult week. Today's service for Davids went well, and we believe demonstrated to mourners just how much the church community can mean and what a difference it makes at times like these. Eric Williamson (our friend, David's close friend, mentor, initiator, and regular participant of the "Hope" camp) drove 14.5 hours all night after his flight from Memphis was canceled, to be here at 5:20 am with us, and spoke at Davids ' service before flying home. Eric prayed and spoke. Megan, Davids's wife, I spoke, Nathan (my nephew Davids worked for) shared memories and John Mark (my son) read some remembrances and closed the service in prayer. It was a lovely (nice) service."

David's burial took place on Wednesday, 28.06.2023, at 10:00 a.m. in All Souls Cemetery, 3215 Manor Rd, Coatesville, PA 19320 Glenmoore, PA.

We miss Davids. May God's peace be upon his wounded soul, as it is with all children who had to grow up without their parents' love.

Elina, his niece, is very distraught and crying.

Davids Slaidins Memorial Service is available on the Chesmont Church of Christ FB page: https://www.facebook.com/chesmont.org/videos/317221934214810

The information was prepared by: Sarmīte Barvika