October 27, 1927 ~ January 9, 2016
Allen Matthew Swan, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, died peacefully at home on January 9, 2016. Born on October 27, 1927, in Tooele, Utah, Allen was the first of three sons of Cynthia Speirs and Clifford LeRoy Swan. He enjoyed a happy childhood, attending Tooele High School, where he served as Student Body President and excelled on the basketball and football teams.
Allen lived a life of service to his three loves: family, Church, and his legal profession. In 1952 Allen married Verla Mae Johnson, of Ashton, Idaho, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. Together for 64 years, they reared four beloved children, were members of a long-standing dinner group, spent wonderful times together at their Ashton summer home, served as companions on three missions, and have been loving grandparents to their 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. For the past several months, Verla has taken care of Allen's every need.
Allen graduated with a J.D. from the University of Utah in 1953, distinguished by his service on the staff of the Utah Law Review and a clerkship for the Hon J. Allan Crockett of the Utah Supreme Court. His legal career of over 39 years included a general litigation, business, and courtroom practice. He was accomplished in both written and oral advocacy for a wide range of clients. He devoted the final 15 years of his career to the firm of Kirton McConkie, his work focusing on representation of Intermountain Health Care and the LDS Church.
Allen answered with enthusiasm a lifetime of callings from the LDS Church. These opportunities included missionary service as a young man in the British Isles. Later, Allen and Verla served three missions together: President of the Australia Adelaide Mission, Director of the Los Angeles Temple Visitors' Center, and missionaries to the Inner City Mission in Salt Lake City. Allen served in the Stake Presidency of the Valley View Salt Lake Stake, and as Regional Representative of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in assignments covering Utah, Washington, and southern California. Later, he served as a beloved Bishop of the Valley View 8th Ward. His lifelong study of church history and doctrine served him well in many other teaching and leadership capacities.
Throughout these years of service, Allen made time to enjoy life with his family and foster many friendships. He enjoyed Sunday after-dinner board games, and having family and friends join him in his outdoor adventures and travels: site-seeing historical parks, fishing Idaho streams, golfing, or supporting his UofU football and basketball teams. He loved music, good books, American History, and dessert.
Allen is survived by his wife, Verla; children Kent (Emily), Wayne (Cynthia), Annette, and Cynthia Andrews; his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother Karl (Kay) Swan, and sister-in-law, Jan Thomas Swan. Preceded in death by his sister-in-law Janet L. Swan, and brother Robert.
A viewing will be held at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S. Highland Drive, SLC, on Friday, January 15, 2016, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 16, at the Valley View 8th Ward located at 4395 S. Albright Drive (2145 East), Holladay, Utah. Viewing at 9:30 a.m. prior to memorial. Interment at Wasatch Lawn. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the LDS Church Missionary Fund.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Deseret News from Jan. 14 to Jan. 15, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Allen Swan

Sponsored by Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary.

17 Entries

Kirt Spencer

April 25, 2024

Dear Ms. Swan-Smith,

I shall write you a letter, as I did not know you. I knew your father and mother while in Australia. As you did, I think of that experience in the land down under often, as it shaped not only the remainder of your life but those who served as missionaries there. The people of Australia were wonderful. My two closest friends from my time there are both Australian - "brothers" who served as missionaries. We still keep in touch.

The paths we have each chosen to walk since "coming home" are varied and storied. One was too young to know your father and the other beside himself for not having kept in touch once your father was released. Though only months in his presence, the impression was lasting and life changing. The same can be said of me.

No one has ever spoken of your mother except to call her an angel. In the way she conducted herself, related to the missionaries and represented the Savior. The hardest thing a parent will ever do is bury a child. She is in my prayers, thoughts and on my mind. I know I have stirred the water between here and Adelaide while adding the prayers, grieving and thoughts to the minds of two more souls, former missionaries and fellow countrymen of Australia.

May you; rest in peace, your family find comfort in the coming days and know that Heaven´s welcome was rousing and heartwarming, with your dad standing in the front to welcome you home.

Respectfully yours,
Kirt Spencer 77-79

Kirt Spencer

April 25, 2024

Adelaide Only Yesterday
by Kirt Spencer
4/25/2024

Never any question, about that place
Could see in eyes, smiles upon the face
Remember arriving, Sydney on the tarmac
Another plane to catch, keeping all on track

President Swan, silver hair even then
Welcomed missionaries, Adelaide once again
Tallest Elder, called "shot gun" for the ride
Nearly sat on President, laughter pretty snide

Like cars that motor, up and down the streets
On the "wrong" side you know, almost in defeat
Steering wheel is too, other side as well
Just the way it is, no need to think or dwell

The Swans were gracious hosts, leaders best
Were better knowing them, many will attest
Gentle honest nature, genuine love included
As we into their lives, unabashedly intruded

Time in the Land Down Under eagerly spent
Labor in areas, assignments president sent
For some his three years were much too short
To a new man then, many of us had to report

With fond memories, speak of time with Swans
Until that day, we all meet in the great beyond
Adelaide Hills, Ayers Rock, koalas even kangaroo
You don´t get into Adelaide, it gets into you

March 23, 2020

just remembering the wonderful President and his dear wife .My name is Cameron Brown , from British Columbia , Canada then .Served with President and Sister Swan August 1974 to August 1976 . I remember watching the new "First Vision " with Swans as I headed home. What wonderful gracious saints . Rest in peace Allen , you are a wonderful man . Currently living in Rexburg , Idaho , just down river from Ashton , Idaho , love you guys

January 17, 2016

Although we didn't know Allan well we shall never forget him. At a time almost 50 years ago when a builder had used our loan money to pay on someone else's home and then absconded to Hawaii we were about to declare bankruptcy because of the wage garnishment my husband was getting from unpaid sub contractors. Allan- for a very reasonable charge - took on the loan company who had not properly managed our loan and saved our home and us. We have always thought him to be very special and wonderful.
James and Beverly Dawson

Janet Ostler

January 17, 2016

I'm so very sorry for your loss. My sympathies go out to you and your family.

Darwin Day

January 16, 2016

Dear Sister Swan and Family,
I was sorry to hear of the passing of President Swan. I will always cherish the time I spent in the mission field with you and President Swan and your wonderful family. What a wonderful blessing that is ours of the great Plan of Salvation. May you find peace and comfort at this time.
Sincerely, Darwin Day

DeAnn Peterson Larsen

January 16, 2016

Dear Sister Swan (and Cynthia, Annette, Wayne and Kent). My heart was very full with sweet memories at the funeral today. You all shared such poignant memories, and the great love of your family was felt. You are the kind of family that truly exemplifies always being there for each other--no matter what. As one of your missionaries, I too felt like I was part of the family. I guess we really were part of the family because we often stayed right in your home and took care of Cynthia and Annette as you and President Swan made the long trips to Darwin and other far reaching places of the mission. Those are tender memories! How we loved those girls, and the wonderful lessons we learned in your home. The experiences of my mission days greatly influenced for good the rest of my life. President Swan was always so kind, respectful, and considerate of the sister missionaries, and that influence was passed on to all the Elders. How we loved our wonderful Mission President and all the good Elders in our mission! I also hold very dear the memory of singing "Oh, That I Were An Angel" accompanied by my mission president. His strong testimony and firm convictions influenced so much good in this world. I thank your family for the sacrifices you made for the good of so many others. I will always hold a deep love in my heart for all the Swan family and the great influence you had in my life.
With much love,
"Sister Peterson"

Sundee Sherwood Gallion

January 16, 2016

Dear Sister Swan and Family,

Remembering you all with great fondness! I have always been grateful for the blessing of a wonderful mission president. President Swan was such a gentleman and an example of thoughtfulness and kindness to Sister Swan, his family, and all of us. How we loved his musical talents and sense of humor. I learned so much from his counsel and wisdom individually and from the pulpit. May all your precious memories comfort you during this poignant time. He will truly be missed. So grateful for God's great plan of happiness and the knowledge that families can be together forever! Sending prayers with lots of love and hugs across the miles!

Denise Jones

January 15, 2016

Verla and Family,
We were sorry to hear of Allen's passing. We all spent a lot of time with your family while we were growing up. Many fond memories of our childhood. Our deepest condolence to your family. May you find peace in knowing you will be together again.

The Ralph Kramer Family

Craig & Melody Palmer

January 15, 2016

Sister Swan and Family, What a great man we have all had the privilege of knowing and loving. President & Sister Swan have been for many years a great model of a wonderful marriage and raising a terrific family. We will miss President Swan and thank our Heavenly Father for being blessed by his leadership, friendship, and example!

Terry & Mark Gilbert

January 14, 2016

Dear Verla and Family, How heartbreaking to hear Allen had to leave you for awhile. He was our wonderful bishop, neighbor and friend and we will always remember him (and you!) with such great feelings of fondness and love. You are so blessed to have had him as your own; he was certainly one of the best of men ever. We pray for your comfort until you get to be with him again.

January 14, 2016

To the Swan Family
Allen is rembered as an outgoing and thoughtful Mission President who was a good friend to this outlying area of a very large and diverse Mission.
condolences to you all.
John Rigley
Whyalla. South Australia

Joyce Meyer Aramburu

January 14, 2016

Verla and Family,

I am sorry to hear of Allen's passing. I will always remember his thoughtfulness, smile and being a great friend to my parents Fred and Agnes. I will always cherish that we were fence neighbors for many years. Please accept my family's condolences.

Kathy (Folkersen) Gotchy

January 14, 2016

Dear Swan Family,

I am sad to hear of Allen's passing. I think back over all the years our parents got together for Study Group and how many fun times they had together. Thank you for allowing our family to be part of that heritage. I now work at Kirton McConkie. There are several people here who also have fond memories of, and much respect for, Allen.
My heart goes out to you all at this difficult time.

John Best

January 14, 2016

Sister Swan, What a great life of leadership and accomplishment. His example and teachings will continue to be an influence in my life. So grateful for the gospel and principles of eternity that teach us this is just a step in our progression. On to the victory... John Best

Wayne Reese

January 13, 2016

Dear Sister Swan and Family,

As one of your missionaries in the Australia Adelaide Mission, I express my love and sincere sympathy at the short separation of such a wonderful mission president and man. My wife Kathy and I have such a love for your faithful: service, leadership, patience, steadiness, and humor. I loved traveling with him in the mission car where we could ask any question. I loved reading the Book of Mormon and Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt in his study group. I loved that he was patient with my piano skills even though he was so much better than I. I remember the simple things like how long my tie should be, and never be afraid to laugh at myself, but not others. I remember him pounding the pulpit saying "I submit to you that the Book of Mormon is the evidence of the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ". I remember him laughing almost uncontrollably in a mission conference with Elder Marvin J. Ashton (while Sister Swan gently clasped his hands reminding him he should not clap in the chapel). Mostly I knew he was spiritually directed in my behalf as I strived to serve the Lord. All that I enjoy of an eternal nature, I enjoy more because of his influence in my life. God bless you. May you be filled with the peace available through the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Wayne and Kathy Reese
-We have not been able to change our responsibilities this weekend, so we are not able to attend but most assuredly send our deep love and admiration.

LeAnn Johnson

January 13, 2016

Verla, Wayne and family,

I am so sorry for your loss. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Allen. I know his humor and influence will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

LeAnn Johnson

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