Elwood Leroy Swanson

Elwood Swanson (known as Shag) was born to Breta and Orville Swanson on April 22, 1935 in Price, Utah. He was their eldest child and grew up with his siblings: Clinton, Terry and Judy. At an early age, he learned to play the saxophone. Some of his best memories were playing with the Jimmy Dart’s band at local events in Price. He loved music, especially the big band sound. Shag joined the Army and served for several years in Germany. Upon his return, he married Connie Cade in 1958. They had three children together: Scott, Steve and Staci. Shag worked days at a service station while pursuing his University of Utah degree at night. He later joined Hercules, holding a variety of positions and, ultimately, retiring as the Human Resources Director. His personality, genuine love of people and ability to identify the right career path for his employees were his greatest strengths. Shag made sure he had time to coach his sons, Scott and Steve, in little league football, a role he relished. In 1974, he met Judie Toone at a Hercules Lagoon Day – it was love at first sight for both of them. They married in 1975 and moved to their home in Sandy with their children: Scott, Steve, Staci, Brad and Steve. Shag and Judie had a getaway at Flaming Gorge where they loved to host family and friends. Shag enjoyed fishing and boating and never missed a boat show. Shag and Judie eventually retired to Henderson, Nevada. They enjoyed their new home, friends and lifestyle. Judie served cookies at the Sales Office while Shag drove a limousine for a local helicopter company. He truly enjoyed that job, meeting new people and having coffee every morning at McDonald’s with his fellow drivers. One of Shag’s greatest loves (besides his wife Judie) was his Utah Utes football team! He enjoyed tailgating before the games with friends and family. He was thrilled to attend the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans to watch the Utes beat Alabama. He never missed a game until it became too difficult physically. He still cheered them on from his house in Henderson! Shag was one of the kindest, most gentle people on this earth. Shag passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family on Wednesday, May, 29, 2024. He will be deeply missed by many – especially his wife, kids and extended family. We love you, Shag.

Elwood is survived by his wife Judie Swanson - his children and their spouses: Scott and Rhonda Swanson, Steve Swanson, Staci and Tony Capuano, Brad Toone and Steve and Cozette Toone – his brothers, sister and their spouses: Clinton and Beverly Swanson, Terry and Vicki Swanson and Judy and Mike Thompson – his grandchildren Brittany Swanson, Sean Swanson, Tyler Swanson, Isabella Capuano, Joey Toone, Shawntae Toone, Dani Toone and Zac Toone. He is also survived by many great grand children and many great friends.

A celebration of life will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South in Sandy, Utah on Monday June 10th at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation https://give.michaeljfox.org.