Joseph Douglas Swenson, age 95, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2000 in Draper, Utah, after a very long and happy life.
Doug was born January 4, 1905 in Salt Lake City to Andrew Joseph and Isabelle Romney Swenson. He was the grandson of pioneers, George and Vilate Romney.After serving a mission in Sweden in 1925-27 he graduated from National University in Washington D.C. with a law degree. He served 13 years in the FBI and was Special Agent in charge of the Oregon office during World War II. He worked for 20 years at Meier and Frank Dept. Stores as General Superintendent in charge of all personnel and services. After the fatal car accident (Emma's death) he retired. As a youth he had his own band, "The Owls," and played lead saxophone. He was an avid rockhound winning 1st prize in a national competition, an excellent golfer scoring a "Hole in One," and he pursued his love of scenic travel with Marjorie by his side.
He was actively involved in church service and leadership and has a strong testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel. He strove to do things that were right, good, and proper, and above all, pleasing to our Father in Heaven. He was blind for the last 15 years of his life and never complained. He often said, "Everyone is beautiful to me for I see with my heart."
He is survived by his four daughters, Lorle Starling of Lake Oswego, OR; Nancy (Don) Van Slooten of Sandy, UT; Sally (Alan) Bolles of Auburn, WA; and Trudy (Bill) Shipp of Sandy, UT; stepchildren, Paula (Henry) West of Pocatello, ID; and Lloyd (Glenda) Brown of Monroe, LA; 30 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren; sisters, Josephine Brown of Salt Lake City; and Marie Miller, of Sandy.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 2, 2000 at 12 noon, Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary Chapel, 10600 So. 1700 East, where friends may call 10:30-11:30 a.m. Interment, Larkin Sunset Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Primary Childrens Medical Center.