Dr. Paul H. Swensen passed away peacefully and beautifully in his home Sunday, December 19th. He was surrounded by his family sharing tears, joy, and love. Paul was born August 29th, 1945 in Provo Utah to Joeseph and Verna Swensen and grew up in Briarcliff Manor, New York. He attended Ossining High School in Ossining, New York where he excelled in tennis, track, cross country, and hockey. All of which he continued through college and beyond. He loved spending summers in Nova Scotia, Canada with his parents and beloved siblings. He attended Bates College in Lewiston, Maine before transferring to the University of Utah where he met the love of his life, Sandra Sherwood. They married in 1968. After graduating from the University of Utah with a B.S. in psychology he entered the United States Army serving as a Commissioned Officer, 1st LT. He was selected to attend Vietnamese Language Training School in Monterey, California, graduating top of his class. He honorably served a tour in Vietnam in the 101st Airborne Division, as the Battalion Civil Affairs Officer, with the responsibility of coordinating rebuilding programs, medical assistance programs, and acting as a liaison between the US military and the Vietnamese civilian population. While in service he earned numerous commendations, medals, and Bronze Stars for acts of valor.

Upon returning, he attended Medical School at the University of Utah, graduating in 1979. He was selected to be in the Pediatric Honors Residency Program the University of Utah, completing his residency in 1984. He had a private practice for 33 years in Salt Lake City and continued to work in the Spina Bifida Clinic at Primary Children's Hospital. His true love for treating medical disorders in infancy and childhood was evident everyday within his Private Practice and at Primary Children's Hospital. He was known by colleagues, staff, nurses, and patients and their families as an outstanding physician who extended compassion and connection to all. He believed that improvement in medical care is the one of the most beneficial goals a society can pursue. Paul was an extraordinary teacher, friend, father, grandfather, and husband that is so deeply missed.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Sandra; two daughters, Melissa (John) and Elizabeth (Kevin); Granddaughter, Charlotte; Two sister-in-law's, Anne and Rhea; Two brother-in-laws, Russell (Rhea), Steve; Three nephews, Christian (Dawn), Bryan (Phema), and Matthew (Kat); Two grand-nephews, Chase and Cruz; His kitty Charlie and Grandpets Aurora, Boris, Winston, Anastasia, & Apollo; and a host of many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Verna Swensen; Mother and father-in-law, Mae and Russell; Sister, Kathryn; Brother, Frederick, who preceded him in death by 36 hours and guided Paul's way to the next phase; and sister-in-law Deborah.

A church service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 12 C Street, Salt Lake City, Utah on Wednesday, December 29th at 1:00 in the afternoon. A Celebration of Life Reception will be held immediately following at the Noir Event Center, 602 East 500 South Unit P-103, Salt Lake City, Utah. Located in Trolley Square. All are welcome to both!

Services will be streamed live at http://fpcslc.org/live/

Of note, masks will be required.

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

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Dec. 22 to Dec. 26, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Swensen

Sponsored by Russon Brothers Mortuary - Bountiful.

25 Entries

Leslie Ann Taylor-Bjarnson

February 23, 2025

I worked with Paul at UMC, then later he became my son's pediatrician. He was such a a good man and Wonderful doctor. I'm so very sorry for your loss.

Cathy Stehlin

January 12, 2024

It was a great shock to learn that the baby I had just given birth to had Down Syndrome. To our great fortune. Dr. Swenson appeared at my bedside. He was a deeply reassuring presence, and I often think of things he said, even 38 years later. He enabled me to see my daughter and our future together in the best possible way. He told me that she had my and my husband´s genes, that she would be like us. This turned out to be true: she grew into a person who loves books and learning new things, who loves games and sports - like us. I wish I had looked up Dr. Swenson long ago so I could try to thank him properly for his great kindness and wisdom when we so needed it.

Aelric Kofoid

July 26, 2023

My name is Aelric Kofoid from birth until 12 years old Dr.
Swensen was the only pediatrician I knew. And then I moved to California were I have been the last 20 years.
I was saddened to just find out about it now. He after thousands of patients he saw always remember my family and myself by name.

Stephanie Montano

April 15, 2023

Dr. Swensen was my doctor from the day I was born and he continued to see me til I was 21. He was the sweetest person I have ever known, I had a hard time switching doctors cause he was all I had known, he knew everything about me. He was like my family, he also took car of my other siblings as well. He was and will be greatly missed!

Leah M Eubanks

March 13, 2023

It's 2023, and I just found out about Dr. Swensen's passing. He was my son's pediatrician/doctor until my son turned 21. What a good man he was...best doctor I've ever known...and he was amazing with my son. He was so thoughtful and always explained things so easily.

Marti Miller

November 20, 2022

When my son was born in 1984, I was not prepared to say the least. My newborn son cried almost non- stop and I was frantic. I didn´t have a car, was exhausted from having a newborn and the lack of sleep that accompanies that. I called Dr. Swensen and he said he would come to my home to check on us to see if he could help find out what was wrong. Can you imagine???! A house call?!!! My son was having issues with his formula and Dr. Swensen calmly and kindly examined him and explained the simple solution. Maybe he was doctoring me more than my son, but either way, I will be forever grateful to him. He was our family´s pediatrician and gave my 3 children an unheard off amount of care and concern in a world where that kind of medical attention seems unheard of. Thank you Dr. Swensen. You were so good to us-I know your family must miss you terribly.

Natalie Limoges (Winn)

September 29, 2022

Dr. Swensen was one of the most incredible people I've ever encountered. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. He was my and my siblings' pediatrician, then became my daughter's pediatrician. He also encouraged my career in medicine, allowing me to shadow him before medical school and rotate with him during my pediatrics rotation as a medical student. He encouraged me into pediatric neurosurgery and brought me to the spina bifida clinic at Primary Children's.
He was a wonderful pediatrician and friend to my family. Then as a young single mother, his professional support and mentorship were everything to me and shaped my career. I hope to be a fraction of the physician he was.
My thoughts, love, prayers, and gratitude to his family. Thank you for so generously sharing him with his patients for so many years.

Linda Swinson Georges, MD

May 12, 2022

Below: Graham, Greg, Linda, Lauren, Lauren´s BF, Jason. 2/2022

Just like Paul said she would be, our daughter is the light of our lives!

Sandra Keller

May 7, 2022

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

David & Terry Snyder

April 30, 2022

We are so saddened to hear of Dr. Paul Swensen's passing. He was a remarkable doctor and we were so honored to have him take care of our children. Our condolences to all people whom lives were touched by Dr. Swensen.

Alija Valdez

April 4, 2022

I´m so sorry to hear of Dr. Swensen´s passing. He was mine and my siblings pediatrician and then became our children´s pediatrician. He always showed up when my son was hospitalized, early morning or late evening. He was kind, patient, and had this way about him I can´t explain. He always knew what was going on and you never had to repeat yourself as you usually do with other doctors. I hope his family knows the deep impact he made with the many children and their families.

Serenia Romano/ Heddlesten

March 28, 2022

Dr Swenson Became the pediatrician of my firstborn back in June 1988 ... Later doctored Six more of my children from birth to adult age ... Following that my grandchildren ... He was the best Pediatrician An friend You could have. You could walk into the clinic for a visit and he knew each and everyone of the kids and everything about them , to me that was amazing to have so many patients and know each and everyone of them individually.. Thank you so much Dr. Swensen for all you´ve done for my family you will be deeply missed.

Judie Quayle-Thompson

March 21, 2022

I am so very sorry to hear of Dr. Swensen's passing. He was so incredibly kind and a brilliant Doctor. He kept all five of my children alive at one time or another over 20 something years and always kept me sane! All our love to his family and we will truly miss this great man.

Shannon Quinn Dunlop

December 30, 2021

Dr. Swensen was loved by our family. He was a friend of my parents, and took care of my two babies. He was so wonderful. Dr. Swensen we will miss you greatly.
All our love,
Dunlop and Quinn Families

Darrin and Chris Casper

December 29, 2021

Paul was our family pediatrician for my three boys. In fact, the only Dr. they had growing up. It is simply not possible to have had a better, more caring Dr. His attention to their overall well being, his genuine caring, and dedication to them as patients was simply unsurpassed. Our family is saddened by his passing. The difference he made in the world and his legacy is brilliant.

One funny story. Our son Quinn had this problem - he would cry over little things like a shot. Dr. Swenson assured us it was quite normal. One day we took Quinn in to get a sliver, of all things, removed from his finger. Quinn cried and wailed so hard four people had to hold him down on the table. When it was all over, Chrissy and I had a great laugh with Paul.

We loved him and wish the family the best.

Kindest regards,

Darrin and Chris Casper

Mickey Burnham

December 29, 2021

I mentioned in my previous entry that Dr. Swensen, after being Pediatrician for my 2 kids, eventually filled the same role for my daughters 2 kids. One Christmas, probably in the mid to late 90´s i made him a Christmas decoration for his desk. He always had it on his desk during the holidays season and he always made it a point to show it to me. Years later, in 2015 when my daughter had her kids in to see him, he took her in his office and showed it to her. She took this pic. It warms my heart to say the least. I hope he knows how many lives he touched just by being himself.

Mickey Burnham

Pastor Mike Imperiale

December 28, 2021

Dear Sandra, I was sorry to hear of Paul's passing. During my 18 years as pastor for 1st Pres, I saw you and Paul every Sunday slightly to my left in the back of the sanctuary and always looked forward to greeting you after church.
I also remember visiting you and Paul in your beautiful home (especially in December 2018 as Christmas approached).
My prayers for God's comfort and grace continue for you and your daughters.
In the grace of Christ Jesus,
Pastor Mike

sally swain

Planted Trees

Chris Schafer

December 28, 2021

I am so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man. In our family, he was referred to as Dr. Paul. He was the pediatrician for my four children and I always appreciated his calm, caring nature. He was a wonderful guide for a new mom and helped me navigate the ups and downs of raising children. My children liked visiting Dr. Paul so much that I had to establish a thorough screening process to make sure they were really sick and not just wanting to go for a visit. When one of my children was diagnosed with a chronic illness, he was there everyday checking in on my child, and supporting my husband and I. Please know that he was so much more than a doctor to our family. I will always feel indebted to him for being there when our babies were born and being interested and supportive of their lives all the way through adulthood.

Debra Scott

December 27, 2021

So interesting (though not surprising) to read of his many talents. . . my knowledge is limited to his skill as a pediatrician. He was so kind, so respectful to my children, and so calm, supportive, and often wryly humorous with me. . . I'm thankful to have had his wise guidance through my tender years of young parenthood. My sincere condolences to his family.

Tracey Harty

December 27, 2021

Dear Mrs. Swensen and family,
It brought a few tears to my eyes when I read of Dr. Swensen's passing. Not only was he my daughters' pediatrician from birth through high school, we found him through my mother, who sat on a UR committee with him. So losing that tie to my late mother was sad; as well as thinking of the 20+ years we spent visiting his office, during very sick and very well times.
My daughter mentioned recently how he would "look for butterflies in her ear" so it wouldn't seem so scary. He was so pleasant, caring, funny and thoughtful and we always looked forward to visiting with him. The kids definitely grew up with him-what a valuable impact he had on our lives.

Deepest Condolences

December 25, 2021

Dr. Swensen was our son´s pediatrician and was recommended very highly by Dr. Randy Beach. He was every bit as wonderful as Dr. Beach had said...and then some. When our son was diagnosed with autism, Dr. Swensen was caring, compassionate and very helpful in making sure we were connected with the right resources and support. My son was very fond of "Dr. Paul" and would often bring a wrapped piece of candy to his well visits and give it to Dr. Swensen. One time, unbeknownst to me, he had an unwrapped and VERY sticky red lifesaver in his pocket. At the end of the appt, he handed it to Dr. Swensen. Without batting an eyelash, and before I could get the words "You don´t have to eat that!" out, he popped it in his mouth and thanked my son for always bringing him a treat. Dr. Swensen always took his time during appts and was genuinely concerned at our son´s progress. He´d always have my son write his name, slide the slip of paper in his chart and compliment him on doing such a great job. Everyone should be so lucky to have a patient, understanding and caring Dr. in their life. Sending our deepest condolences to Dr. Swensen´s family.

Mickey Burnham

December 24, 2021

My family and I are devastated at Paul´s passing. What a great loss to this world. He was so much more than just our children´s Dr. he was our friend. Our two kids loved him, and our oldest actually took her own kids to see him as well. We trusted him and he earned that trust just by being the kind and loving Dr. that he was. I have so many stories of our interactions with him. But Instead I´ll just say we´re so sorry to his family for their loss. Dr. Swensen was a great man in every way. May his example be carried on to all who were lucky enough to work along side him, and may his memory be eternal.

Mickey Burnham
Salt Lake City, Utah

Kathy Heffron

December 23, 2021

Dr. Paul Swenson was one of a kind. His sense of humanity and what he had to contribute to better the life's of children and their families was a singular gift. He made a difference on so many levels. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. The world was a better place because to Paul.
Sincerely,
Kathy Heffron

Sarah & Jeff Scott

December 23, 2021

Dr Swenson was pediatrician to our three young sons and consistently offered great insight and humor in those interactions. He was an exceptional provider, with a straightforward but kindly manner, who gladly connected with families outside the practice when there was occasion to do so. We will certainly lament the loss of such a person in the world and send love and condolences to his own family.

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results