Gilbert Von Swain

Gilbert Von Swain, age 70, of Vernal, Utah, died at his home surrounded by his family after fighting valiantly against a long-term illness, on October 8, 2012. He was born July 11, 1942, in LaPoint, Utah to Orville and Ora Swain. He attended Union High School and married his high school sweetheart, Marlene Horrocks on December 20, 1961, in the Salt Lake Temple. Von later graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelors of Science degree in range management, 1965. Von and Marlene were married for almost fifty one years and had four children. Von was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in several positions, especially in various church sports programs. He worked 38 and half years with the federal Bureau of Land Management, and strove for fair conservation to all users of public lands in the Uintah Basin; Phoenix, Arizona Casper, Wyoming, and many areas in Southern Utah. The results of his labors are a lasting legacy to his dedicated public service. Von loved spending time outdoors with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, rock hunting, farming and gardening. He felt the greatest peace when he explored the outdoors with his sweetheart. They often explored new areas nearly every Saturday morning. Von is survived by his wife and children, Tamara Sullivan (Dan); Monica Rowe (Larry); Darren Swain (Kathryn Ann); Jason Swain (RaDel); his brother, Orvin Swain, and sister, LaRee Miller (George). He has eleven grandchildren and seven step grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Ora Swain, his sister Joleen Ottosen, father in law, Ronald Horrocks, and nephew, Rocky Swain. Funeral services will be held at the LaPoint LDS Chapel on October 13 at 11:00 am. On October 12, the viewing will be from 6-8 pm at Blackburn Mortuary and one hour prior to services at the LaPoint Chapel. Burial will be in the LaPoint Cemetery under the care and direction of Balckburn Vernal Mortuary.