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John Dwan Obituary
1937-2025
Holladay, UT-If you're reading this , I'm gone. They told me to keep it short, these are pricey-here's my story.
Born in Hammond, Indiana to Frances Marie McQuade and John Joseph Dwan. We moved to Utah when Mom took a nursing job at LDS Hospital. I like to say I "crossed the plains" in a 1940 Pontiac.
I grew up in the lower avenues of Salt Lake City. My parents divorced when I was seven, and Mom remarried Rudolph Gentner who became a wonderful father figure.
I attended Lowell, Roosevelt Jr, and South High (class of 1955). I was president of the A Capella Choir but skipped football practice after I realized I didn't know what cleats were. A year at the University of Pennsylvania (Benjamin Franklin National Scholar) taught me that I was a homesick kid and I returned to the University of Utah where I graduated with a 2.1GPA (thanks to Sigma Chi for that).
As a Naval ROTC graduate, I was commissioned into the Marine Corps, serving three deployments to Asia and retiring as a Colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve 30 years later.
Along the way, I held many jobs in construction, police reporter for The Salt Lake Tribune, congressional aide, and Peace Corp Volunteer in Bolivia. I earned a MA in Political Science after realizing law school wasn't for me (I lasted 3 days). Later I directed the U's MBA program in Europe living in Germany and traveling. I spent 25 fulfilling years as the spokesperson for the University of Utah Health Sciences Center-remember Barney Clark?
In 1967, I met Sara Louise Clingenpeel at a party. She was smart, adventurous, and handled everything I couldn't. Together, we traveled the world and raised two incredible kids. Son Christopher Alan and daughter Erin Lucinda (Cameron) Macintosh, and three grandchildren; Connor Aiden, Jack Cameron and Sara Dwan Macintosh.
My advice after a long, exciting life? Stay healthy and, most importantly: if it's not fun, don't do it!
Celebration of Life to be held Saturday Feb. 8th 12-2pm at the Cottonwood Country Club.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Dwan
GaryBridge
February 27, 2025
Hey John, my memories as a pledge under you are solidly implanted in my mind. Were those memories positive, yes. Did I learn from you, yes! Your obituary told me much more about you though. The kindness came through and also you are much loved by your your Family. RIP my friend. As Sigma Chi says, "All honor to his name" very sincerely, Gary Bridge
Amanda J Mitchell
February 7, 2025
Chris & Erin, my condolences on the passing of your Father. He was truly one of a kind. My love to you both.
Renee Fasbender
February 4, 2025
I've often wondered what good ol' John was up to the last 20 or so years. What a joy it was to know and chat with him. The years I knew him was at the U Hospital from 1980 until he retired which covered many years. Barney Clark - that was a time in medical history and John shined as he shared updates with the world. I often think of the times John took time off to instruct the top Marine Generals years after serving (I think he may still have been in the reserves). He was always good for a story and I appreciated how active he was with friends, church, and community. John always spoke up for issues he felt strong about. I've now lost one more great friend/work associate and have one more little hole in my heart. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones as John continues on his great adventures.
Kevin Packer
January 31, 2025
John, you were already missed at All Saints and now forever missed. We had some fun conversations and I always loved to hear you stories from your adventurous life! Thank you for being my church friend.
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Ruth Cherecwich
January 30, 2025
You have been missed at All Saints Church, but you´ve never been forgotten. Your life has been full and you are now back to being with your wife. Rest in peace, John.
Henry
January 30, 2025
JD, the Colonel, Jefe, he was "a fellow of infinite jest." No apologies to Shakespeare, who probably cribbed it from someone else. Jefe, we miss you already. Henry
Michael Nook
January 30, 2025
John, you were a great man and I cherish the time we shared at All Saints Episcopal Church.
Robert Lay
January 30, 2025
I am sorry to read of Johns passing ,he was a kind and generous man,and a good friend he will be missed .
Dennis Nielson, MD, PhD
January 30, 2025
During my 18 years on faculty at the U Med School, John was the hospital spokesman, always accessible, always upbeat. Like him, I spent time in Bolivia as a young man, but a few years after his Peace Corps experience. We had more than a few conversations about those times and how they affected us. He was a great support for my work at the U, and I hope he knew how much I appreciated him. He was a good man, which I consider the highest possible compliment. Dennis Nielson, MD, PhD (retired)
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