Paul H. Swensen

Dr. Paul H. Swensen passed away peacefully and beautifully in his home Sunday, December 19^th. He was surrounded by his family sharing tears, joy, and love. Paul was born August 29^th, 1945 in Provo Utah to Joeseph and Verna Swensen and grew up in Briarcliff Manor, New York. He attended Ossining High School in Ossining, New York where he excelled in tennis, track, cross country, and hockey. All of which he continued through college and beyond. He loved spending summers in Nova Scotia, Canada with his parents and beloved siblings.  He attended Bates College in Lewiston, Maine before transferring to the University of Utah where he met the love of his life, Sandra Sherwood. They married in 1968. After graduating from the University of Utah with a B.S. in psychology he entered the United States Army serving as a Commissioned Officer, 1^st LT. He was selected to attend Vietnamese Language Training School in Monterey, California, graduating top of his class. He honorably served a tour in Vietnam in the 101^st Airborne Division, as the Battalion Civil Affairs Officer, with the responsibility of coordinating rebuilding programs, medical assistance programs, and acting as a liaison between the US military and the Vietnamese civilian population. While in service he earned numerous commendations, medals, and Bronze Stars for acts of valor.

Upon returning, he attended Medical School at the University of Utah, graduating in 1979. He was selected to be in the Pediatric Honors Residency Program the University of Utah, completing his residency in 1984. He had a private practice for 33 years in Salt Lake City and continued to work in the Spina Bifida Clinic at Primary Children’s Hospital. His true love for treating medical disorders in infancy and childhood was evident everyday within his Private Practice and at Primary Children’s Hospital. He was known by colleagues, staff, nurses, and patients and their families as an outstanding physician who extended compassion and connection to all. He believed that improvement in medical care is the one of the most beneficial goals a society can pursue. Paul was an extraordinary teacher, friend, father, grandfather, and husband that is so deeply missed.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Sandra; two daughters, Melissa (John) and Elizabeth (Kevin); Granddaughter, Charlotte; Two sister-in-law’s, Anne and Rhea; Two brother-in-laws, Russell (Rhea), Steve; Three nephews, Christian (Dawn), Bryan (Phema), and Matthew (Kat); Two grand-nephews, Chase and Cruz; His kitty Charlie and Grandpets Aurora, Boris, Winston, Anastasia, & Apollo; and a host of many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Verna Swensen; Mother and father-in-law, Mae and Russell; Sister, Kathryn; Brother, Frederick, who preceded him in death by 36 hours and guided Paul’s way to the next phase; and sister-in-law Deborah.

A church service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 12 C Street, Salt Lake City, Utah on Wednesday, December 29^th at 1:00 in the afternoon. A Celebration of Life Reception will be held immediately following at the Noir Event Center, 602 East 500 South Unit P-103, Salt Lake City, Utah. Located in Trolley Square. All are welcome to both!

Services will be streamed live at http://fpcslc.org/live/

Of note, masks will be required.