KAYSVILLE - Thornley King Swan, 88, died August 8, 2002 at LDS Hospital from causes incident to age.
Thornley was born April 12, 1914, to George William Swan and Norma Thornley and grew up in Kaysville, Utah. He graduated from Davis High School where he served as student body president and excelled in athletics. Thornley attended the University of Utah and as an undergraduate was a member of the varsity football team, earning All-Conference and All-American honors his senior year. He was a member of Sigma Chi, Owl and Key, Delta Theta Phi, and Skull and Bones. Thornley's University football coach, Ike Armstrong, affectionately nicknamed him, "Tug," a name close acquaintances often called him.
Thornley graduated from the University of Utah College of Law and soon after married Dorothy Paine, also a graduate of the University. He and Dorothy settled in Kaysville, Utah. At age 25, he was elected Mayor of Kaysville, and at that time was the youngest mayor in the United States. He was a partner in Ray, Quinney and Nebeker law firm until 1961, when he was named judge to the Second Judicial Court. In 1974, Thornley was appointed as the Chief Judge in the Utah Judicial Council. He was active in promoting legislation to improve the State Judicial system and its caseload management. He also served as the Utah State Representative to the National Council of State Court Representatives. In addition to his law activities, Thornley served as a board member and president of the Davis County's Board of Education from 1945 to 1960. In 1981, he became a member of the Emeritus Club, University of Utah Alumni Association, and was later awarded the Merit of Honor Award by this association. Upon retirement as a judge he received a Judicial Merit Presentation.
The Judge's real life passion was ranching, a love he acquired while working with his grandfather, John W. Thornley, his father and his two brothers. He was involved in the family's livestock company and he served on numerous local and national livestock boards, including National President of Producers Livestock and Loan. The Judge spent years juggling court duties with running the family ranch at the base of Monte Cristo. Thornley's greatest motivation for maintaining the ranch was to provide a gathering place for his family where wonderful memories could be made.
Tug and Dorothy, their daughters and son, Ike, spent thousands of hours riding horses, herding cattle, and having good times. The ranch flag will be flying at half-mast.
Thornley's real love of life was Dorothy and this year was their 65th marriage anniversary. Thornley was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and he and Dorothy enjoyed returning to the temple during the last few years of his life.
Thornley was preceded in death by his brother, John William (Elizabeth) Swan, by a sister, Mary Josephine Swan, and by his mother and father. He is survived by his wife Dorothy; by his sister, Norma Dean Kushner of British Columbia; by a brother, George Whitlock (Loretta) Swan of Oregon; by his children; Judy Gage of Omaha, NE; Margaret (Mrs. Paul Richards) of Salt Lake; Nancy (Mrs. Ladd Christensen) of Salt Lake; Suzanne (Mrs. Ted Adams) of Salt Lake; and Thornley King Jr., "Ike" (Janine) Swan of Kaysville; 13 grandchildren; six great-grand children; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 13, 2002 at 12 o'clock noon, at the Kaysville LDS Rock Chapel, 25 South 200 East, Kaysville, Utah. Friends and family may call Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist's Kaysville Mortuary, 400 North Main and Tuesday from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. at the church. Interment, Kaysville Cemetery.
The family wishes to acknowledge and thank Vern Jenson, foreman of the family ranch, and his wife, Jeanie, who for many years have provided faithful service. Thanks also to the many "cowboys" who have been a part of the ranch operation. The family wishes to also express thanks to Dr. Frank G. Yanowitz for his kindness in caring for the Judge.
Happy Trails to you, until we meet again.
e-mail condolences to the family at llm@lindquistmortuary.com