Lawrence C. Swanson
November 28, 1936 - June 15, 2021
Lawrence (Larry) Carl Swanson died at the age of 84 on June 15, 2021 while on a bicycle ride with his wife, Sharyl, in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Larry was born and grew up in Minnesota and attended the University of Minnesota, graduating in Mechanical Engineering in 1959. He moved to Utah and worked in the aerospace industry, with several year-long stints in Germany and Hungary. He met Sharyl in Germany while they both were working as civilians associated with the military.
Larry lived an adventurous life. He loved riding motorcycles and earned trophies as the Minnesota off-road motorcycle racing champion for four years. In Utah, he served as a ski patrol member at Solitude and Park West ski resorts for over 30 years. He was a small-plane owner and pilot for some 60 years. For Angel Flight, he flew 51 volunteer missions to and from Salt Lake hospitals and Southern Utah and Arizona and, reportedly, he was “the first to step up.” He also flew 52 flights for LightHawk, a conservation flying nonprofit.
He sailed, kayaked, explored Southern Utah and Baja, and avidly cross-country skied through the last snowfall of each season. He accomplished many rock and ice climbs in the Wasatch, Wind River, and Teton Mountains, as well as Mt Rainier in Washington and peaks in Alaska, Canada, Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. Larry reached the summit of a high peak in the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan. With a group of friends, Larry and Sharyl trekked across the high Arctic’s islands of Ellesmere (1989) and Axel Heiberg (1995).
In the US and abroad, Larry and Sharyl put over 19,000 miles on their “take-apart” tandem bicycle. On thirteen overseas trips, they pedaled throughout Europe, Ireland, and the South Island of New Zealand.
Larry was known for his enthusiasm which led him to many adventures and always seemed to carry him through. He often hauled a watermelon in his pack on local hikes for everyone to enjoy on the mountaintop. For 49 years, he established, organized, and led a one-day, round-trip ski tour up Kings Peak, the highest peak in Utah.
Larry was a reader and, after teaching himself to read German, especially enjoyed adventure books in that language. His generosity was manifested in many ways, such as clearing the neighbors’ drives after a snowfall and circling the block with his snowblower to clear the sidewalks. He assisted in various repairs for friends and regularly filled their birdfeeders. Working on the Wasatch Mountain Club Lodge kept him busy over the years. Larry had a very positive influence on his many friends and on the world in general. He touched the hearts of so many and will be missed by all who knew him.
Larry is survived by his wife, Sharyl, his brothers, Don and Steve Swanson, nephew Eric Swanson, cousins Betty Maxe Larson, Harlan Hanson, and other family in Minnesota and Utah, as well as Sharyl’s family in Utah and Washington State.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 18th, from 5-7pm, at the Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, UT. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.starksfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Angel Flight West, LightHawk, or a conservation organization of choice.
In Loving Memory
Just wanted to share my gratitude for the life that Larry lived. As a Mission Coordinator, I worked with him on several Angel Flights last summer--in the thick of the COVID pandemic--in ferrying much-needed supplies to the Navajo reservations. I remember one memorable mission to Shiprock! Many thanks to his service... We at AFW will miss him and remember him. Anne
Sharyl Something made me look at the obituaries today. I was shocked to see that Larry had died. I talked to Lydia and will be sharing the info with her. All our love and condolences to you and your family. I will for sure come to the memorial for him in September and hope Lydia might be able to attend also love you dear girl.❤️������������
Sharyl & Steve: Hearing of Larry's passing has caused me to reflect on some of the experiences we shared. Larry (and Steve) gave me several great mountain memories. These included winter trips up Lone Peak and King's Peak. They had figured out the logistics to make these challenging ski tours very doable (given reasonable conditions). I was fortunate to do each of these trips with them and count them among my fondest mountain memories! Larry was a remarkable man who gave other people the benefit of his experience, knowledge and strength. He will be missed! Dave Smith
Dear Sharyl, Learning from Larry's obituary all that he meant to you, family, and community made me realize what a shock and loss his death is to everyone. My sincere sympathy to you at this most difficult time. I know in future you will be comforted by the many memories you cherish. Blessings, Sue
Sharyl; My sincere condolences on Larry's passing. I have such great memories of Larry while working with him at Park West. While I haven't seen him since the Park West days I often think of the stories he and Steve would tell of their adventures. Kings Peak stands out most clearly. I acquired a sign from a run named after him at PW (Swaney's Alley) when it changed owners. I have it on my garage and it reminds me of him and his love of adventure every time I go into the backyard. It inspires me to keep looking for the next adventure. He'll be truly missed. I'm so sorry for your loss. Scott and Lorraine Thomas
So many years ago, in Germany I met the man who you would later marry. None of us realized then what an outstanding adventurer he was and what an exciting future you would have together. Your Seattle friends are so grateful that you brought this man into our lives. He will be remembered for his compassion, energy and the ability to make each of us feel special. I picture him now skiing down a cloudy slope or riding down a mountain trail, with you on the back pedaling hard. We love and support you Shary.
Dear Sharyl, Steve, Don and Eric, Larry was a truly amazing individual who inspired many with his enthusiasm for life and adventure. We'll always remember the watermelon he unexpectably produced on our very hot river trip to the SanRafael River years ago. With deepest sympathy, Ralph and Jean
In Loving Memory
