Richard Byron Swenson

Richard Byron Swenson

Richard Byron Swenson passed away April 27, 2013, at the age of 97 at Mountain Ridge Assisted Living Center. He was born on September 9, 1915, in Ogden. He was the eighth of 15 children, born to Carl August and Ella May Taylor Swenson. He was the last surviving member of this family.

He was reared and educated in Ogden, Utah, graduating from Ogden High School in 1933. He married Ella May Compton in 1936. Their vows were later solemnized in the Logan LDS Temple. They were married for 64 years, and were the proud parents of two daughters, Lynda Kay Swenson Morrison and Marlene Swenson Parrish. After the death of Ella in 1999, Richard married Phyllis Butler Swenson. She preceded him in death.

Richard served in the United States Army during World War II. After the war he owned and managed several car sales businesses. He also worked at Hill Air Force Base, retiring in 1974.

After retiring he pursued his education at Weber State University, particularly in the fields of poetry and prose writing and music composition. A book of his poetry was compiled in 2010, entitled "Song to Poetry". He was a member of the Blue Quill Chapter of the League of Utah Writers.

Richard loved music, singing, and dancing. He composed many pieces of music, including an Easter Cantata. He based many of his musical works on the scriptures or classical poetry. He sang with the Ogden Community Choir for 25 years, and performed in many solo recitals and Sacrament meetings, at times singing his own original selections.

He was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served in many callings.

Richard is survived by his daughter, Marlene (Val) Parrish; 9 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wives, daughter, Lynda Morrison, and 3 great-grandchildren.

Graveside Services will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 11 a.m. at the Brigham City Cemetery. Friends may visit with family on Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Lindquist''s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Stephen Bruce, Mountain Ridge Assisted Living, Summit Hospice, and especially, Hospice for Utah for their loving care.