Robert Lee Swenson, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, husband, and friend, passed away on February 8, 2025, at the age of 88. Born on August 6, 1936, to Doris Wheeler Swenson Knabb and Theodore Reuben Swenson. Bob lived fully and experienced a lot. He filled his life with a dedication to his family, friends, and a love of adventure.
He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, William (Bill) Swenson. Bob is survived by his wife Adele, his four children: Cody (wife Anne), Will (wife Audra), Leea (husband Shawn) , and Bobby (wife Erin), and his 12 grandchildren: Christian (wife Helena) , Brenner, Fiona (husband Brady), Rose, Bridger, Sawyer, Zoe, Sally, Sage, Taj, Ryder, and Ronan. He also leaves behind one great-grandchild, Mackenzie.
Bob attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School before going on to serve two years in the military, a service he was immensely proud of. He went on to study at Brigham Young University (BYU), where he discovered his love for volleyball, snow skiing, and his first wife, Sally Hale. He later attended the University of Utah. Bob earned two doctorates—one in Recreation Education and another as a chiropractor. He taught at Utah State College and Mesa College, where he
worked among other things as a ski instructor and a baseball coach.
Together with his wife, Sally, he co-founded the Hale Center Theater in South Salt Lake City, an institution that has brought joy to the Utah community for decades. In his later years, Bob married Adele Wynkoop, a companion who shared his zest for life and his affection for big, wonderful dogs.
Bob lived deeply. He went river rafting off 20-foot waterfalls in New Zealand and body surfed in Fiji. He attended Super Bowl 48 and the Daytona 500. He loved Speed Week at the Bonneville Salt Flats, rode the bob sleds in Calgary and Park City, won racquetball tournaments at the YMCA, rode motorcycles and dune buggies in the desert, was an excellent snow and water-skier, was a certified PSIA ski instructor, and helped found the Men’s Volleyball Program at BYU. The only thing that could tame Bob’s adventures was age.
Bob did everything possible to support his kids. He and Sally would leave at dawn on Fridays to drive from Salt Lake City to see Cody’s high school football game in Glendale, California on Friday night, then, after the game, turn around immediately after the game and drive back through the night to catch Will’s game in Salt Lake on Saturday morning. If he loved a song, he would listen to it 100 times in a row back-to-back. He loved Neil Diamond (and he got to meet him and tell him so). He loved whipping up a gargantuan batch of chocolate chip cookies for the hordes of nephews and nieces at the ranch. He loved those days where he could ski in the morning, then drive down the canyon, and golf in the afternoon. He loved Dr. Pepper and the Denver Broncos. He loved summers at the Hale family ranch and trips to Lake Powell. He loved BYU volleyball and getting crab sandwiches with his buddies. He nurtured friendships as deeply as anyone ever has. More than anything, though, he loved bragging about his kids. And he did. Relentlessly.
Over his 88 years, his sometimes gruff exterior gradually melted, and he became a real softie, quick to cry and express his love and gratitude.
Memorial services will be held on Sunday, Feb 23rd at 6pm, at The Ruth and Nathan Hale Theater, Pleasant Grove, Utah. Come and share a story about Bob.
Interment with military honors, Tuesday, February 25th at 11:00 am at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Bluffdale Utah.
Rest in peace, Bob. You’ll always be with us, but especially when the wind is in our face at Alta, when the sun is on our skin at Lake Powell, and when we laugh and play together at the ranch.
Per Bob’s request, in lieu of flowers, please support the arts by seeing a show or making a donation to The Ruth and Nathan Hale Theater in Pleasant Grove.
7 Condolences for Robert Lee Swenson
Condolences(7)
Melany Wilkins says
February 14, 2025 at 11:50 amThe Wilkins family loves the Swenson family so much. We will miss Bob and we hope he and Richard get to have a good long chat. God bless all of you.
Scott Carson says
February 16, 2025 at 4:27 pmI was very saddened when I was told of Bob’s passing. I volunteer at the Bennion Veterans Home where Bob lived and we had many interesting conversations while sitting around the poker table. He always surprised me with another grand adventure it seemed about any common interest we talked about–volleyball, musical theater, BYU sports, grandchildren–you name it. He was full of stories. He was very proud of his family. I brought my guitar with me to Bennion several times and I told him once that one of the first songs I learned to play as a child was Cherry, Cherry by Neil Diamond. Boy did that open the door wide open for an hour of sharing about his son Will the play Beautiful Noise and how he got to meet Neil Diamond. Of course, I was awestruck. After that he always asked me to play Neil Diamond songs with my guitar. Bob made me feel feel like I have talent. The last time we visited, I wheeled him back to his room and he described every poster and plaque that was on his wall. It was apparent what a full and exciting life he lived and how much he loved his family. I will miss him. Rest in peace, Bob.
Paul Schlecht says
February 19, 2025 at 5:06 amBob and I were best friends for forty five years. We met at Alta when I shared my table at lunch time with Bob , Cody and Wes Potter . We talked and found out that we had so much in common. When I told him where I was from he told me that he had spent one semester at Kutztown university. When I told him where I worked it turned out that my plant manager was a friend of his mother and stepfather. I might top this by saying that he adopted me. When I was in Utah I became a fixture at the Hale Center Theater and at the BYU VOLLEY BALL GAMES where he introduced me to Carl McGowan. I could go on and on. Bob and I would talk on the telephone at least two times a month. He was very proud of his children and would tell me about Cody and what he was doing in his theater and he made sure to tell me about Will in a Beautiful Noise and I went to see him in NY and we reminised a little after his wonderful performance, l knew all about Leah’s ceramic business and Boby’s house renovation. I’m going to miss talking to him. We ended every conversation by saying “l love you my good friend”. I called Bob to let him know that my wife passed away on January 9. I would love to join you for his services but it’s not possible since I am about to turn 91, but my thoughts and prayers will be there for you and. Bob , I love you my good friend!
Vince Sarfraz says
February 19, 2025 at 5:54 pmBob was a dear mentor while I was in college. We worked together at Santa Ana Country Club. I learned so much from him while we worked together. He shared lessons as a dad and husband and as a student. He always encouraged me and also pushed me to not give up because things didn’t go my way! What I loved about Bob, was his energy and passion – he was much older than all us guys but you could never tell! He shared his love of music with me and put me on to Diana Krall who had never heard of. And inspired me to be a Broncos fan as well. I often look back on the moments I shared with Bob because he made the moments count.
Thank you Bob for all the advice and all the rides and all the laughs! You will be missed!
Jane Wilcox says
February 20, 2025 at 8:34 pmDear Swenson family,
All who met Robert were uplifted by his encouraging words and positive attitude. He found joy in family, friends and life experiences. We were truly honored to have met him,
We send our wish for peace and comfort along with our love,
Friends at Suncrest Hospice
Rick Low says
February 21, 2025 at 3:13 amMy condolences to the Swenson family. Some of my most cherished memories are of Bob and the interactions and friendship he showed to me at the original HCT on Main St. in Salt Lake. He will be missed.
Love ya Cody, Will (“Goodbye Hole!”), Bobby & Lea. Your father is a great man, and help raise a great family. May you find peace through the journey.
Wally zoellner says
October 23, 2025 at 4:10 pmTo Bob Swenson family: I just found out today that he passed. I’m sorry for your loss. Bob and I played golf all the time together. I have missed him many year now. Wally zoellner
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