John Swasey

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    John Albert Swasey, 77, passed away November 17, 2024 in Orem, Utah with his family by his side.
    John was the 7th child born to Lucius R. and Inez Durrant Swasey. He arrived on December 9, 1946, in Roosevelt, Utah. John spent his whole life in Duchesne, except for the two years serving as a Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Australia.  
    John was tough as nails, strong as an ox, brave as they come, and nothing scared him (except snakes). He had a soft heart for dogs and cats. John had great love for his dogs Buddy and Bella. He had a gift of memory and could recall classmates' and teachers' names back as far as kindergarten. He was a farmer, dairyman, mechanic, welder, and he could fix and build about anything.
    John spent countless hours in his shop crafting bowls, plates, goblets, tops, and snowmen on his wood lathe. It brought him joy, and he loved sharing his woodworking creations with others. He loved rocks, and if you didn’t check his pants pockets, you would wash some.  
    John was a Life Member of the NRA and supporter of the 2nd Amendment. He had a passion for firearms and was an excellent marksman. His favorite jacket, wallet, and ball cap were the ones from the NRA. If you came to visit the farm, he would set up a skeet shoot. New sons-in-law were put to the test.  
    If John borrowed something, it would always be returned in better shape than when he got it. But if you didn’t return something he lent you, you’d end up on his “bad” list. If something was missing, it “was stolen!” In the last few years, as his health declined, if anything was missing, he wanted to shoot the thief in the knees.  
    John was a master storyteller, always able to spin a tale and outdo anyone else with his adventures. He had a way of making every story larger than life, with plenty of humor and heart. In his younger years, he was an excellent horseman—breaking horses, riding, and showing off his roping skills like a true cowboy.  
    John married Bonnie Murdock, and they had six children before they divorced.  
    On February 25, 1993, he married Barbara Marie Wagner in the Manti Temple. Barbara brought four children into their blended family. During the years to follow, they took in 4 additional grandsons, 1 nephew, and 1 granddaughter (he even wore a matching Batman T-shirt for one of her activities). He knew how to teach young men how to work by example. One grandson tells the tale of the miles and miles of fences he built while living on the farm.  
    John and Barbara’s love story spanned decades. They first met in 1968, when Barbara was a senior at BYU. Barbara’s roommate, Mary Jeanne Merrell, introduced John to her in Provo. Mary Jeanne was waiting for her missionary, Ron Tollefson. Many weekend trips to Duchesne began with the Tollefsons hosting the three friends. There was never more fun than those weekend trips. Barbara graduated and returned to her home in Los Angeles, where she was obligated to a year-long dietetic internship, and the distance took its toll.  
    Despite a blossoming connection, distance separated them for over 20 years. Fate brought them back together, and their reunion led to a lifetime of shared adventures, including travels to all 50 states, numerous cruises, and visits to over 20 foreign countries. John was proud of the many places he visited.  
    John served over three years working in the Vernal Temple. He had many church callings in many capacities, but being Explorer Adviser was one of his favorites, and he had many adventuresome stories about the things they did.  
    John’s knowledge of water and water law was widely recognized. He served on numerous water boards and as Duchesne-Strawberry River Water Commissioner for 29 years. He was jokingly teased that if it had the word “water” in the title, he was on the board, chairman, or ditch rider. He played a key role in securing grants and implementing the telemetry system that allowed water levels to be controlled remotely.  
    He was elected as a Duchesne County Commissioner from 1994–1998. During this time, the Duchesne County Jail was built, the trash pickup was privatized, and the county building was moved to the vacated Central Utah Water Conservancy building.  
    Despite his failing health in recent years and his limited speech at the end, John’s parting words to those who visited were “I Love You.” He would tell Barbara, “I Love You. You are my sweetheart.” Follow John’s example—don’t wait to say, “I love you.”  
    John is survived by his wife, Barbara, and children: Kirk (Cassie) Swasey, Daniel (Kim) Swasey, Adam (Emily) Swasey, Wendy Swasey, Cindy Swasey, and Michael Swasey.  Bonus children: Douglas (Erin) Higa, Jason Higa, Carrie (Sverre) Brandsberg-Dahl, and Kristin (Robert) Arredondo.  Third and fourth generations include 30 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren (and two on the way). Sisters: Maxine Jensen and Amanda Prows; brother-in-law: Steve Thompson; and sister-in-law: Jeanette Swasey.  
    John is preceded in death by his parents, Lucius R. and Inez Durrant Swasey; in-laws, George and Margaret Wagner; sisters: Ardell and Dean Gillespie, Donna Thompson; brothers: George and Dean Swasey; grandson: Rio Higa; brothers-in-law: Richard Jensen and Ronald Prows; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.  
    Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bridgeland Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Viewings will be held at the church of Friday, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM and Saturday from 10:00 - 10:45 AM.  
    Burial will be in the Bridgeland Cemetery.