Louis Ian Dwire

Louis Dwire was born in New Castle, Colorado on July 8, 1939 to John and Nora K. (Simonson) Dwire. He was raised and schooled in New Castle, later attending Western State College in Gunnison, Co. where he graduated with a teaching degree. He taught every grade level in Rangely, Co. for 14 years. Moving to Salt Lake City, Utah, he attended the University of Utah and graduated in 1984, with a Masters' Degree in Humanities, Sciences, Social and Behavioral Sciences. He worked for the Utah School System for 24 years. In 1987 Lou became a Charter Member of the Utah Augmentative, Assistive Communication and Technology Team for Salt Lake City School District. Since 1987, UAAACT has been dedicated to improving the communication skills of students with disabilities across the State of Utah. While working full time for the Salt Lake City School District as a Speech/Language Pathologist he also accepted a position as Adjunct Professor in the Department of Communication Disorders at the University of Utah for two years. There he enjoyed teaching, mentoring students and acting as a Clinic Supervisor. In 2001 he received the Merlin J. Mecham Distinguished Alumni Award from the Department of Communication Disorders at the University of Utah. In 2001-2002 he was President of the Utah Speech-Language Hearing Association. In 2002-2003, he was the President of Utah Speech and Hearing Association. In 2003, he received the H.Kenton Reavis Distinguished Service Award in Augmentative Communication. Of all his accomplishments and awards, the title he liked the most was given to him by the young special education students. To them he was "Woo", and they loved "Woo". Lou was involved in education in California, Colorado, and Utah with approximately 40 years combined service to children in regular and special education.

Lou was a deacon of the First Congregational Church, loved theatre and had season tickets to the Hale Theater for the Broadway Shows that came to Salt Lake City as well as the performances at the Capitol and Pioneer Theaters. He had good friends and a rewarding life. Lou asked that special thanks be given to Will McDaniel, Judy Parmelee, Bob Haag, Dee Ann Sumner and Carol Malbone, and Myrna and Bill Pool, as well as the hospice caregivers for all their help, love, and support.

Louis is survived by his sister: Barbara E. Smith of Clifton, Co., Nieces and Nephews: Scott Dwire and wife Elaine York, Sharron and Wayne Bishop, Michael Bishop, Brandon Bishop, Debra Smith, Warren Smith, Marcia Smith, Krissa and Tracy Grant, Zander ,and Donavon Grant, Ann Connelly, Mark, Sheena, Tia, Von, and Kurt Connelly.

Preceded in death by his parents: John W. Dwire and Nora K. (Simonson) Dwire, Brother: John F. Dwire, and Nephews: Warren D. Smith, Donald W. Smith, Kevin N. Dwire

Please join us in celebration and remembrance of Louis' life at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2009 at the Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, Salt Lake City, Utah. Reverend Dr. Michael Chittum officiating. A graveside memorial will be held at the Highland Cemetery in New Castle, Co. at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2009. Online condolences to the family can be sent at: www.holbrookmortuary.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Salt Lake City School District Foundation for the Speech and Hearing Department, 440 East 100 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 in Louis Dwires' name to help continue his work with students with special needs.