Gary Bateman SwanGARLAND, UTAH - Gary Bateman Swan, age 75, of Garland, Utah, died peacefully on Feb. 27, 2014, in Allen, Texas, at the home of his daughter, Nicole Heath.Gary was born on May 30, 1938, in Alhambra, Calif., to Ralph Ensign and Millie Eleanor Bateman Swan. He was raised in Burley and Rupert, Idaho. He graduated from Minico High School in 1956. He attended Carbon College in Price, Utah, for two years, where he played basketball and baseball. A member of the LDS Church, he served an honorable mission to Sydney, Australia. Upon return, he continued his education at Utah State University where he met Vicki Mae Hansen. They married in the Logan Utah LDS Temple on Jan. 9, 1964. After graduating with a major in history later that year, the newlyweds moved to Idaho to settle into farm life.Gary spent his working years as a farmer, high school history teacher, and varsity basketball coach. He taught and coached at Oakley, Minico, Sky View, Declo and Burley High schools while raising a large family in southern Idaho and northern Utah. Later in life, he spent time long-haul truck driving, visiting his children along the way in many states. He settled in Garland, Utah, where he tutored students at the local elementary school.Gary enjoyed race horses, playing and watching all sports - especially basketball, golf and tennis. He enjoyed challenging his brother in chess, and loved reading Louis L'Amour westerns. Gary was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren and was often found giving each a little advice. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.Gary was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Vicki; his parents; his brother, Owen Swan; and his brother-in-law, Jim Kelso.Gary is survived by his two siblings, Karleen Swan Kelso of Phoenix, Ariz., and Dale (Lyn) Swan of Hyrum, Utah; his six children, Bret (Niki) Swan of Orem, Utah, Shanae (Kirby) Branham of Palmer, Alaska, Wade (Stephanie) Swan of River Heights, Utah, Laurel (Corey) McBride of Mendon, Utah, Nicole (Darek) Heath of Allen, Texas, and Michelle (Brian) Petersen of McMinnville, Tenn.; his 30 grandchildren, Trent, Tauna, Kinley, Aubrey, Gavin, Blake, Sierra, Blaine, Denali, Bryson, Barret, Benjamin, Jade, Samuel, Joshua, Alex, Jacob, Jayden, Anna, Christian, Lauren, Madison, Jade, Emma, Taylor, Avery, Elizabeth; and honorary, Madeline Green, Victoria Jergensen, Joseph Fisher.The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 7, at the View LDS Church, 490 E. 550 South, in Burley, with Bishop Art Thornton officiating. Burial will be in the View Cemetery.A viewing for family and friends will be held from 10 until 10:45 a.m. prior to the service.Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Rasmussen Funeral Home of Burley.
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