Vernon H. Swain

May 11, 1940 – Dec. 30, 2019

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Vernon H. Swain, age 79, passed away peacefully at the Sublette Center, Monday, Dec. 30, after a lengthy illness. Vern was born in Jackson, to Horace and Edna Swain on May 11, 1940. He was raised on the Grubbing Hoe Ranch west of Pinedale. Vern graduated from Pinedale High School in 1958 and continued his education at the University of Wyoming where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and earned a bachelor’s degree of arts to teach music. He then received his master’s degree at Colorado University in Boulder. Vernon loved his music. He enjoyed teaching, writing and playing music with whatever instrument he picked up. He taught coral music in Idaho and then Evanston, until he retired. He was also a musician, entertainer and comedian and loved having an audience. He especially enjoyed playing a sax in the Big Band he co-founded in Evanston. During the winter months, Vern taught skiing at Park City on the weekends and holidays. He also trained and ran in long-distance marathons. Vern never forgot his roots. He loved the ranch and would return when he could to help drive the cattle to their mountain summer pasture. For many years, Vern would take part and narrate the Green River Rendezvous Pageant. Vern’s retirement dream was to restore his three vintage Porsches and sail his yacht on Bear Lake. Vern was preceded in death by his parents, Horace and Edna; daughters, Jody and Dinah and son, Greg. He is survived by his son, Ashley (Ellen) of Colorado; grandson Bridger; granddaughters Ginger, Jessica and Shannon; five great-grandchildren; brothers Ron Swain, of Idaho, and Garland Swain (Rhonda), Pinedale; sisters Pam Kirkpatrick (Larry) and Julie Early both of Pinedale; and numerous nieces and nephews; also, many great friends. Cremation has taken place and a family memorial will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Green River Rendezvous Pageant Association, P.O. Box 274, Pinedale, Wyo., 82941.