Stanley Swanson, 67, passed away from natural causes at his home in Price, Utah.

Stanley was born in Florida to Donald and Justyn Swanson. When he was in his early 20s he met and married Pamela, and together, they packed their few belongings into their van and headed West, with no specific destination in mind and no plan other than to “discover the West.”

Settling in Utah, Stan got a job with Utah Power & Light. Stan worked as a mechanic for more than 30 years and was a proud member of IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Local Union 57, in which he was an active steward.

Early in life, Stan began to look for recreational outlets. He discovered and fell in love with river rafting in the early 80s and has since spent most of his summers rafting. He once said, “My church has canyon walls 200 feet high.” He was able to introduce Utah’s pristine deserts, rivers, Native lands, and wilderness to his two children and instilled a deep respect for these areas. Stan, his family, and friends were able to float nearly every raft-able river in Utah, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, and Oregon. In his late 50s, he was able to raft the Futaleufú in northern Patagonia.

In his 50s, he took an early retirement and spent the rest of his days traveling to various world destinations, including Portugal, Chile, and Vietnam. He loved Puerto Varas, Chile, but was particularly fond of Huế, Vietnam, where he spent most of the past four years.

Stan was an incredibly loyal and close friend. He was always quick to help out a friend in need. He could strike up a conversation with any random passerby. He made fond friendships wherever he traveled. In short, people loved him. He was adventurous to the furthest extent, far from shy, and loved people.

He spent his last months in Huế with many close friends and his girlfriend. He spent his last days riding his bike around Price and meeting with friends over coffee. He is survived by his two children, five grandchildren, brother, and ex-wife. His kind eyes, genuine smile, and trusting personality will be deeply missed by many.

A private service will be held in future.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Grand Canyon Trust, 2601 N. Ft. Valley Road, Flagstaff, Arizona 86001 (grandcanyontrust.org).

Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Stanley online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.