Leonard J. Swinyer, MD
June 11, 1940 - April 18, 2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Leonard J. Swinyer, MD — a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and pioneering physician whose life was defined by an unwavering dedication to medicine, education, and family. Known to all who loved him as “Len,” he was a man of remarkable intellect, quiet generosity, and deep devotion to those around him. Len fought a courageous battle against Frontotemporal Dementia and died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family.
Len was born in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, on June 11, 1940. He earned his medical degree from the University of Vermont, followed by an internship and residency in internal medicine and pathology at the University of Utah School of Medicine. He served several years in the US Navy as a Lieutenant Commander and Chief of Pathology at Quantico Naval Hospital in Virginia during the Vietnam War before completing a three-year dermatology residency at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland. He is board-certified in Dermatology and Dermatopathology.
In 1973, Dr. Swinyer established a private dermatology practice in Salt Lake City, Utah. In 1978, alongside his wife Thalia, he co-founded the Dermatology Research Center, which conducted over 400 clinical trials under his leadership as principal investigator — a body of work spanning more than four decades before his retirement in December 2018.
Dr. Swinyer was a devoted educator. He founded the Intermountain Dermatology Society, Utah Society of Dermatology Medicine and Surgery, and the National Dermatology Photo Society, to name a few.
Dr. Swinyer’s national reputation was built largely on the revolutionary techniques and standards he introduced to dermatologic medical photography. His extensive slide collection was jointly donated to the OHSU and U of U Derm departments, which categorized and digitized it. These are now available to medical schools and scholars worldwide. The collection bears his name in perpetuity.
Dr. Swinyer authored numerous articles and co-authored the Color Atlas of Dermatology, Volumes I and II, published in English, Portuguese, and French.
Dr. Swinyer received numerous prestigious honors throughout his career, including the National Practitioner of the Year Award from the Dermatology Foundation, the Golden Triangle Award, and a Presidential Citation from the American Academy of Dermatology, recognizing his extraordinary efforts in public education and his lifelong commitment to reducing the mortality and incidence of skin cancer.
Beyond medicine, Len had a deep and abiding love of the American West, and Utah held a special place in his heart. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, camping, boating, traveling, golfing, and spending time at his cabin with his family.
No profile of Len would be complete without mentioning his lifelong love of magic. Captivated by the craft since age 11, he was an active member of both the International Brotherhood of Magicians and the Society of American Magicians and delighted friends and family with performances throughout his life.
Len’s first and greatest love was always his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Thalia, an RN who worked faithfully by his side for 40 of those years; his daughter Laura Riley (Billy); his son Michael Swinyer, PA-C (Lisa); four wonderful grandchildren, Casey Riley (Nicole), Christian Riley (Sally), Thalia “Tally” Cook (Terrance), and Vincent Swinyer; and three beloved great-grandsons, Oliver James, Leo James, and Lennox Jackson — the youngest of whom carry on Len’s name as his proud namesakes. He is also survived by his cherished sister Elaine and many beloved in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
Len was especially proud of his children and their careers in medicine. He leaves behind a legacy not only in the countless patients he cared for and the students he mentored, but also in the family he loved unconditionally. He will be deeply missed by all who have the privilege of knowing him.
Len’s family would like to extend a special thank-you to his hospice nurse, Sandy with Community Nursing Services, and his caregiver, Kenny with Home Instead.
Memorial donations may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association: alz.org
Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026 from 3:00 until 6:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, UT, where complimentary valet parking will be provided. He will be laid to rest privately with Military Honors at Larkin Sunset Gardens.
In Loving Memory
I feel fortunate that Gary and I met Len and Thalia at Millcreek Senior Center Enhanced Fitness Class. We spent many hours drinking coffee, laughing and getting to know them. This led to a deeper friendship that felt like family. Over the years we have been fortunate enough to be included in wonderful trips to Wyoming and more. We have enjoyed magical experiences with family and friends. Lens quiet presence will be sorely missed by many, particularly the Yayas. Len was a sensitive, kind , and gentle man. His caring sweet smile will never be forgotten.
Len was one of those rare souls who seemed to walk between worlds with ease. He was grounded in science, yet never afraid to reach for wonder. A healer of the body and a keeper of magic, he carried both knowledge and mystery in his hands, and that combination made him unforgettable. I’ve had the gift of knowing him for 30+ years, and in that time, it was clear he wasn’t just living life. He was studying it, exploring it, honoring it. Even in the face of such a difficult illness, his journey spoke to a depth of strength that can’t be measured in ordinary ways. What feels most meaningful now is how his essence continues to ripple forward. You can see pieces of him alive and shining in four of my favorite people. Tally, Vincent, Olly, and Lennox. I see Len in their energy, their curiosity, their light. I hope you can feel that he hasn’t truly gone anywhere just shifted forms, like all great magicians do. Still present in the quiet moments, still woven into the fabric of your lives, still guiding in ways that don’t always need words. Holding you all in so much love during this time.
Len was such a great guy. Gerry and I loved him. He will be missed by everyone. My love to all his family.
Dr. Swinyer was our family Dermatologist for many, many years. All of us felt very cared for and in great hands when we would visit him. I know he gave my mom many more years catching her melanoma. My condolences to your family. He was a great man. I hope that he runs into John and Giancarla Scrip up in heaven. Camille Scrip
My condolences to his family, including Elaine.
Dr. Swinyer was my dermatologist for many years. Along with being a wonderful doctor, he had a great bedside manner. I was always comfortable with him and confident in his care. My condolences to all of you.
What a fine man to know! He was my first introduction into dermatology and its importance in my life. Always a talker, the time seemed to fly in his office. We often talked about our love of Native American Spirituality. Thank you sir for helping me through a particularly difficult time of my life and for taking the time for my healthcare in general.
Vaya Con Dios mi amigo May the magic continue. John Vickrey
My family had many wonderful memories within and his families. The Maui c shows were filled with wonder and excitement. I was patient of his for more years than I can remember, Len you will be missed. May you rest in peace.
Dr. Swinyer was my first dermatologist (not that I've seen that many). Our visits (appointments) were memorable because long ago he took a class at the UVM Medical School from my father. Dr. Swinyer made the time fly by with tales of my father as an instructor and growing up in Vermont. He even visited my grandparents' grave site in Vermont and brought a photo for me to see just in case I had never visited it. He was sweet, gentle, kind and thoughtful. My condolences to the family.
I was one of Dr. Swinyer's first patients when he opened his office in the southeast part of Salt Lake County. I had an issue that had been bothering me for many years, which no one seemed to be able to diagnose; and Leonard diagnosed it on my first visit. I have not had that issue arise since! He was a great doctor! It was just recently that I had asked his son Mike about how he was doing; and I am very sorry for his passing. He will be missed! My sincere condolences to Mike and the rest of his family. My best, Leonard
Dear Laura, so sorry to hear of the death of your father. He was one of the very best clinical investigators I have ever known and a genuinely nice person.
Dr. Swinyer was my grandmother and father's dermatologist. When I had my daughter, she had severe eczema and was miserable. My dad took us to see Dr. Swinyer. He made the perfect cocktail of meds for her and her eczema completely cleared up. We were beyond grateful to him and his expertise. My daughter and I have been going to his practice every since (23 years). Sending my love and prayers to the family. He was a wonderful man.
Remembering Len, All of these memories of Len feel so fresh and current. I was there and met the Swinyers when they first pulled into their driveway in East Millcreek in 1973. Immediately I was impressed, these were not just your standard issue of new people to the neighborhood. They were radically different, a wonderful breath of fresh air, amazingly modern, lively substantial people of the world. The Swinyers were in a class all by themselves. After all of these years it never changed. On one of my first visits, I noticed a stack of records. Woah! Look at their taste in music. These are my kind of people. Wow! We packed in a lot of great memories and fun. When hunting with Len, he was always prepared and easily enjoyed every minute, and comfortably too, while the rest of us were suffering in the elements in the grand tradition of hunting. His natural, genuine laughter was contagious and quick-witted. We did so many things together; Golfing, camping, hunting, fishing, dining, backyard games, waterskiing, neighborhood parties. You name it. Len was always so positive, cheerful and laughing all the time. No matter what the situation, he could always come up with a great memorable line. Over the years I think of these many times. Once my brothers and I were just visiting Len during his lunch break at his doctor’s office. He was listening and joking around with us while eating his lunch and dictating medical information all simultaneously. That was so impressive. He was effortlessly so sharp and entertaining to be around. I witnessed him thoroughly getting scolded by a neighbor for being an adult riding his skateboard down the street (he was only 33). He nicely listened without verbal retaliation, then continued to ride his skateboard until it was too dark to see. That was fantastic! Every single time I was ever around the Swinyers they were so unbelievably welcoming and generous. Of course, hosting their annual Christmas party and magic shows was a great legendary example. I loved them then and always will. I would have to say Len and Thalia are probably the biggest and brightest influence on my life and when it comes to thinking of the idea and examples of how to live and act – they are the ultimate class act. They were it! If there was ever a Camelot – this was it! He always made me feel like he was happy to see me. He absolutely made you feel like family. I never met anyone that I thought more highly of than Len. Every time I was around Len, I considered it to be a special event. Time will not lessen his zest for life! You will be greatly missed. With my deepest sympathy, love, Curt Nelson
Len and Thalia have been our best friends over forty years. Losing Len is like losing a member of our family. We spent so many years traveling to Palm Desert CA for golf, boating at Lake Powell, cruising the Mississippi, and a most amazing and memorable trip traveling crosscountry back to Vermont to celebrate Len’s high school reunion. When the Swinyers joined us in Star Valley Wy just across the fairway, this began over twenty years of wonderful golf, travel, parties and everlasting friendship. We will always miss Len’s contagious smile and positive attitude. You were one in a million. We will always miss you. Love from Art and Jo
A healer’s mind, a scholar’s grace, You shaped your field, you set the pace. Through years of work and quiet art, You served with wisdom, hand and heart. From Western skies to magic’s spark, You found life’s wonder in every part. A teacher, guide, and steadfast friend— Your legacy will never end. Now rest in peace, your journey done; Your light lives on in everyone Whose lives you touched with gentle care— A life of love beyond compare.
I met Len through the group of dermatologists that were performing clinical research in the 1980's and 1990's. He was a mentor, friend and one of the great dermatology scholars of our generation. Moreover, Len was welcoming, warm and great fun to be around. The legacy of his many accomplishments and those whose careers he touched will live on for generations.
I got to know Len through dermatologic photography. Recognizing his excellence, I invited him to join us in creating the Color Atlas of Dermatology. He was a delight to work with! I’m so sorry to learn of his passing.
In Loving Memory
