Don Raymond Schow

Don Raymond Schow, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on February 9, 2026, in Glendale, Arizona. He was 75 years old.

Don was born December 3, 1950, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Don Carlos Schow and Solveig Arnesen Schow. He grew up with fond memories of his childhood in the Avenues and his teenage years in Granger. He graduated from Granger High School in 1969, where he was active in football, served as a cheerleader, and sang in the Madrigals choir. He made many wonderful friendships and carried those memories warmly into his later years.

Following high school, Don served a two-year LDS mission in Germany. He became fluent in German and maintained a lifelong love for the people, language, and culture. His Norwegian heritage was also dear to him. With a mother born in Norway and Norwegian grandparents on his father’s side, Don took pride in his roots. He visited Norway several times in his youth and later took his daughter there when she was very young, passing down a love of family history and culture. He never missed the chance to knock on wood or exclaim “Uff da!”

Don earned his undergraduate degree in History and later graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Utah College of Law. He cherished his time working at the University Library and assisting in teaching some courses. A devoted University of Utah fan, he was a lifelong and enthusiastic supporter of the Utes and never missed a chance to cheer them on.

Don served proudly as a Salt Lake City Police Officer before dedicating more than 30 years to practicing family law. He was never driven by wealth, but by a desire to help others through difficult seasons of life. He often worked for free or in trade if someone needed help. He had a compassionate heart and a deep sense of justice.

He was married to Lexianne Swapp from 1972 to 2000. Together they welcomed two children, Sarah and Sam.

Don was endlessly proud of his children and present for the moments that mattered most. He attended plays, concerts, sporting events, and all milestones with steady devotion. He encouraged endlessly, supported faithfully, and made sure his children always felt loved and supported.

Being a grandpa was a highlight of his life. He adored his grandchildren, and delighted in spoiling them whenever possible. Watching him with his grandchildren was one of life’s sweetest gifts for his family.

Don was creative and talented in many ways. He was an avid reader, a gifted cook and baker, a thoughtful writer, and had a beautiful singing voice. He loved music, especially The Beatles and the oldies of the 60s and 70s. Many family camping and road trips were filled with great snacks and even better playlists.

He was witty, clever, and wonderfully silly. A smart aleck with a quick comeback and a steady supply of puns. He loved weekly family taco nights, even continuing them virtually when distance required.

Holidays were always special when Don was around. He went over the top baking Norwegian Christmas treats, and spoiling his family rotten. He decorated enthusiastically for Halloween, dressed up without hesitation, and joyfully took his children trick-or-treating each year. He was generous to a fault; donating time, money, and gifts to families in need every Christmas, and in everyday life, offering help to anyone who crossed his path.

Don had a great love of animals, despite allergies that should have made him keep his distance. He made friends easily, especially with dogs and their owners during his evening walks, always stopping to pet every animal he met.

Don was strong, determined, hardworking, and stubborn in the best way. Once he set his mind to something, very little could stand in his way.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Don Carlos Schow and Solveig Arnesen Schow, and his brother, Robert.

He is survived by his children, Sarah Solveig (Giovanni Damian) and Samuel Spencer (Skylee Bennett); his beloved grandchildren, Addison, Dax, Gabriel, and Tate; and his siblings, Jo Ann, Annette (Jim Mietchen), and Timothy (Leslie).

Don’s family is deeply grateful to the wonderful nurses and staff at Hospice of the Valley and Alert Adult Care who cared for Don with kindness and compassion in his last days.

In keeping with Don’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. His family will gather privately to share a meal, reminisce, play the music he loved, and celebrate a life marked by devotion, humor, heritage, and generosity.

He was deeply loved and will be deeply missed. På Gjensyn, "til we meet again."