Thomas D. Swenson

Thomas D. Swenson peacefully returned to the loving embrace of his eternal soulmate on October 3, 2026. Surrounded by family, Tom gracefully passed after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease.

Tom, known as "Tommy" in his youth, was born on January 15, 1943, to Douglas H. Swenson and Anna Clare Swenson (née Fraser). An only child, he filled his childhood with adventure, curiosity, and more than a little mischief. One of his favorite stories, which became a lifelong lesson in both ingenuity and survival, involved discovering a high-powered rifle cartridge near his home, wiring it to a fence, and shooting it with a newly acquired BB gun. The experiment ended without catastrophe and became one of the many stories he would later tell as evidence that he somehow survived despite the odds.

That resilience would become a defining characteristic throughout Tom's life. He faced car accidents, natural disasters, international conflict, and numerous personal challenges with determination, humor, and an unwavering belief that there was always a way forward.

From an early age, Tom possessed a deep love of music and rhythm. He learned percussion in middle school band, where he met the person who would become the love of his life, H. Raelynn Symes. Although separated by one grade level, Tom and Raelynn would later attend South High School and the University of Utah before marrying on August 25, 1965. Their marriage would span 57 years and remain the central joy of Tom's life.

Following their marriage, the young couple briefly lived in the San Francisco area, where Tom served in the California National Guard. They later returned to Utah, where he joined the Utah National Guard and continued his education. Together they built a home and raised four wonderful children: Sherie (David) Coons, Lori (Matthew Pruss) Swenson, Sandra (Andrew) Nilles, and Mark Swenson.

Although Tom spent 32 years serving the Davis School District as a Speech-Language Pathologist, education was never simply a profession. At heart, he was a teacher, mentor, and coach whose greatest classroom was his own home. He delighted in supporting his children's interests and athletic pursuits, particularly softball. Countless hours were spent catching pitches, hitting grounders, participating in practices, maintaining fields, or finding creative ways to provide opportunities for his children to succeed.

When access to facilities was needed, Tom forged relationships that opened school gymnasiums after hours to provide year-round training opportunities. When existing facilities fell short, he rolled up his sleeves and improved them himself, often smoothing the softball field by dragging the leveler behind his own car. Whatever the challenge, Tom believed that helping his children reach their potential was worth any amount of effort.

Tom's dedication to service extended well beyond his family. Early in his career, he taught evening English-as-a-Second-Language classes for members of the community. Later, he worked at Utah's Hogle Zoo as a train operator, though his responsibilities rarely stopped there. True to his nature, he became involved wherever help was needed and often worked alongside the zoo's elephant handlers, creating unforgettable opportunities for his children, including rides atop the elephants.

Among Tom's many passions, none rivaled his love of gardening and flowers. What began at Old Mill Golf Course became both a creative outlet and eventually a second career. Tom devoted countless hours to researching, cultivating, and showcasing flowers, transforming landscapes through his talent and determination and eventually earning certification as a Master Gardener through Utah State University. Later, at Willow Creek Country Club, he was given the freedom and resources to fully realize his vision. Armed with a greenhouse built just for him and his boundless enthusiasm, he redesigned flower displays throughout the property, replacing aging beds with the vibrant showpieces that became his signature.

Even in retirement, Tom remained active and engaged. He and Raelynn served as ushers at Kingsbury Hall at the University of Utah, allowing him to enjoy countless performances, ceremonies, and graduations while continuing to contribute to the community he loved.

Tom lived life fully and enthusiastically. Whether inventing a new dance step alongside Raelynn, cheering from the stands as his daughters competed on the softball field, tending meticulously to a flower bed, or sharing stories that somehow grew more entertaining with each retelling, he embraced every opportunity for joy. He loved deeply, worked tirelessly, and gave generously.

He will be profoundly missed by all who knew him. His legacy lives on through the family he loved, the students he served, the gardens he created, and the children and grandchildren who proudly carry his name and values forward.

Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife and soulmate of 57 years, Helen Raelynn Swenson (née Symes), and his parents, Douglas Herbert Swenson and Anna Clare (Swenson) Clayton.

He is survived by his children, Sherie (David) Coons, Lori (Matthew Pruss) Swenson, Sandra (Andrew) Nilles, and Mark Swenson, as well as his ten grandchildren: Zachary, Jessica, and Jacob Coons; Amelia Swenson-Pruss; Isabella, Katherine, Alexis, and Sebastian Nilles; and Theodore and Thomas Swenson.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or to a Parkinson’s disease charity of your choice.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Agape Senior Care Adult Family Homes, Mary Ngugi and Maricela Salazar-Cardenas for the grace and compassion with which they cared for Tom over many years.

Memorial services will be held at Memorial Estates Mountain View on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 2pm.