Thomas Gerald Swain

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”—Joe Lewis.

Thomas Gerald Swain, age 82, of Fullerton, California, passed from this earthly realm on March 15, 2022 after losing a courageous battle with cancer. Born October 16, 1939, in Midway, Utah, to Ephraim Clinton Swain and Rachel LaVerda Hair Swain. Gerald was considered the rebel of the Swain household, “seize the day” was his calling card. To Gerald, or “Jerry” as his friends knew him, life was an adventure meant to be enjoyed, not taken for granted.

With a belief in living life to the fullest, especially if a bit risky, Gerald embraced the many roles he played in his mortal life. His reputation for being hard-working, trustworthy, and quick-witted, followed him throughout his life. With a twinkle in his eye and a signature wink that let you know; you’d either been pranked or let off the hook, he made friends everywhere he went.

Gerald took pride in whatever path he walked, from wearing the badges of honor as a Military Police Officer “MP” for the Army National Guard, Police Officer for Woods Cross and Centerville Police Departments, to his dedication as a member of the Bountiful City Jeep Posse; one of his favorite pastimes.

He learned to swing a hammer and become a skilled carpenter under the direction of his father, who owned and operated the E.C. Swain Construction Company, where Gerald, along with his brother, Arlin, worked side by side in the family business. After moving to California, Gerald continued his career in the construction industry up until his retirement in 2003.

Gerald was a member of the first graduating class in 1957 from Bountiful High School.  He went on to attend college at both the University of Utah and Weber State College.

Gerald and Coleen loved to travel wherever the ocean and a luxury cruise ships took them. Saltwater ran in their veins and in 1979, they chose the warm sandy beaches of California as “home” and left the snowy peaks of Utah in the rearview mirror. Gerald’s favorite attire was a Hawaiian shirt and a pair of shorts.

A devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gerald held a strong testimony, with a deep love for his Heavenly Father that was close to his heart. One of his most favorite callings was when he and his wife served as Service Missionaries in the Fullerton, California Stake Deaf Branch for three years. There is no doubt that Gerald returned Home with honor.

Alas, Gerald has navigated his last trip and sailed on to a new adventure. While the bon voyage party on this side has proven to be bittersweet, the Welcome Home Party waiting on the other side, will be one for the record books.

Gerald leaves behind his loving wife of forty-three years, Coleen Swain. He is also survived by his six children:  Cathy (Red) Stirland; Troy (Nichol) Swain, Suzette Carter, Allison (Russell) Lewis, Angela Anderson, and Jennifer (Rod) Carter. He will be greatly missed by his twenty-two grandchildren, as well as twenty-two great grandchildren, with two more arriving shortly. Gerald is also survived by his brother Arlin (Marsha) Swain; sister, Carolyn S. Secrist, and many loving special nieces and nephews.

Those waiting in the receiving line on the other side of the veil, include his father, mother, sister Darlene S. Nelson; brother-in-law, Joseph R. Nelson; brother-in-law, Joe Dean Secrist; son-in-law, Ryan Anderson; daughter-in-law, Maryann Swain; grandsons Dannie Carter and Jake Dodson; also his best friend, Randy Ransom who was his brother from another mother.

Gerald will be laid to rest in the Bountiful City Cemetery, Bountiful, Utah, under the direction of Russon Mortuary. The family would like to thank the many friends, family, and neighbors who offered support to Gerald and Coleen during this difficult time. A special dose of gratitude is bestowed to all the caregivers from Alliance Hospice who served as Gerald’s earth angels until the very end.

May the Lord continue to bless and protect those of us Gerald leaves behind, until we meet again.