Adrian Vande Merwe

Adrian J. Vande Merwe was born January 14, 1959 in Bountiful, Utah. He attended Viewmont High School, the University of Utah and dental school at the University of the Pacific. He practiced dentistry in Bountiful for 36 years. He was a beloved dentist in Davis County because of his compassion, humor and honesty. He never tried to sell a service that was not needed and made many house-calls to relieve pain. His staff were treated like family. He had a brilliant mind and was an avid reader. He appreciated architecture, designing a “Frank Lloyd Wright” style home in Mueller Park Canyon and was also a gifted artist. When asked why he became a dentist rather than study art or architecture, he answered, “I liked helping people in their time of need.” Adrian married the love of his life, Jamie Swanson on March 11th 1995. Their daughter, Holland, was born in November of 1999. They loved traveling together. Adrian and Jamie rarely missed one of Holland’s volleyball matches or softball games, no matter where it was played. Adrian also enjoyed bicycling, sailing and hiking - although he could never keep up with Jamie (who can?). He was very generous, kind, compassionate, and 100% honest. He always advocated for those who faced discrimination and attended many Pride parades. Most of all, Adrian was an amazing husband and father. One of the highlights of his life was to be able to attend Holland’s wedding while fighting the most aggressive type of brain cancer, glioblastoma. Adrian is survived by his wife, Jamie, daughter, Holland, son-in-law, Ethan, Mother, Donna and siblings Joe (Kari), Audrey (Greg), Dave (Kim) and Rob (Liz) and his dog, Sullivan. He is preceded in death by his father, Joe and his in-laws, Hank and Doris Swanson, and many dogs. He passed away on March 5th 2023 at Creekside Senior Living, in the room next to his mother. In life and in death, Adrian was a family man! Please join us in a Celebration of Adrian’s life on Thursday, March 23, 2023 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East. Guests are encouraged to use the parking and entrance on the north side of the building. 

A tribute video for Adrian will be available here soon. Please revisit this page to see photos from Adrian's family and hear messages from his loved ones.