Obituary: Rulon Fielding Swenson

Rulon Fielding Swenson "Mr. Harmonica" Rulon Fielding Swenson, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, was called to his heavenly home Saturday, July 28, 2007 surrounded by his loving family. Born September 5, 1905 to John C. and Alice (Anderson) Swenson in Smithfield, Utah, Rulon married Vera Alexander October 23, 1928, in Logan, Utah and 63 years later she preceded him in death on July 18, 1991. Rulon was an avid outdoorsman. He hunted with bow and arrow, rifle, shotgun and especially enjoyed all types of fishing. He was the epitome of a salesman as he had a smile for everyone, a crushing handshake and always a joke, or many, to share with whomever he was with. Rulon was a driver for UPS in Los Angeles, CA from 1930 until he and his wife Vera, returned to Salt Lake City in 1942. He was very proud of the fact that he could still remember all of the streets in downtown L.A. right up to his passing. In Salt Lake he then began his long career as a salesman before retiring at sixty-five. Shortly thereafter he came out of retirement to begin a new career as a lab technician at Paramount Dental Labs, which he continued with into his eighties before retiring for the second time in order to pursue his third career; that of entertainer. He was an active member of the 10th East Senior Citizens Center for 30 years where he had many close friends. He played in the Happy-Go-Lucky's harmonica band and was its leader for the past 7 years, as well as organized and led the Harmony Five harmonica quintet, both groups that played volunteer entertainment shows all around the State. In 2005, amid much fanfare and ceremony, he turned 100 years old, still leading the band. In 2006 he was recognized by both the city of South Salt Lake and Salt Lake County for over thirty years of Outstanding Lifetime Achievement in Volunteer Service. He was also a member of the Cottonwood (Murray) Elks Lodge for the past 16 years, much of that time on record as the "Oldest Active Elks Member in the State." He was also preceded in death by his son, John R. Swenson; and his daughter, Doris E. Rogers; as well as his granddaughter, Debra E. Barnes. He is survived by his daughter, Lynne S. Whitt; her husband, Patrick; daughter in-law, Irene Swenson; 12 of his 13 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren who will miss him tremendously. He was preceded in death three years ago by his good friend and companion, Lavetta Wall, with whom he shared many wonderful times and adventures. If you are fishing on that golden stream in heaven Dad, don't catch them all, leave some for us when we join you and please play your harmonica so we can find you. Funeral services will be held Wednesday August 1, 2007, 1:00 p.m. at the Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary (4760 So. State St.) with a viewing from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday and 1 hour prior to services Wednesday. Interment, Salt Lake City Cemetery. Condolences may be shared online at www.jenkins-soffe.com