My deepest condolences to the whole family. I had jobs in my life but the one at Swensen's will always be the most memorable one. Mr. Waite was a caring guy that always supported his friends and cared about them. I left there and went into small business and yes he supported me there and again in real estate. He was a friend and someone I looked up to. May you truly rip friend/mentor.

Kathy and I were sorry to hear that Rex passed away recently.  We met Rex and David when we bought the other Swensen's almost thirty years ago.  They were both extremely helpful to us getting started in the restaurant business and we always appreciated Rex's advice.  Rex continued to stop in for lunch and visit long after he got out of the business.  He was always  extremely friendly and we always enjoyed it when he and Nancy came here.  

I am sure Rex had an influential effect on many young people who got there first job at Park Mall Swensen's.

Our condolences to Nancy David, and the Waite family.

Jerry and Kathy Sullivan

You were a good friend Rex.
The Dolan Family

My condolences to the Waite family.  Rex hired me almost 40 years ago to cook at Swensons.  The job helped get me through the UA.  He was a good and fair man.  Thank you, Rex.

I was one of the lucky ones that had the opportunity to work for Mr Waite.  He was tough but fair. Busboy to cook, I have the best memories and friends from those high school days working for you. BTW "Mr Waite - it was Tom R. that did it".  RIP Mr Waite and thank you sir.

Rex was a very special man.  He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.  He touched so many lives. All three of our children worked for Rex at Swensen's in the day.  He was a great inspiration to young people.  He will be missed.  God Bless.

Like my Sister Crystal, Rex was my first boss.  He pushed me hard but made me a better person and better employee.  I worked at Swensen's in Park Mall all through High School and summers when I was home from college.  I remember when I graduated college and my job didn't start for a few months Rex said I could work until I had to leave for California besides he said " I want to see how an Engineer scoops ice cream"  He always had a great sense of humor and we will miss his smile. Here is a picture from just 2 short years ago at my father's 80th BDay that Rex Sr. and David attended.  He was a family friend for many many years.  My heart goes out to Rex Jr., David and the rest of his family.  RIP Rex Sr.!!  I love you!! Cindy

Mr. Waite was my first boss.  He took interest in all of us "kids" and helped us learn not only job skills, but life skills.  He was a family friend and we will all miss him.  Our sympathy to Rex Jr. and David, and the rest of the family.  From Crystal and the Copperthite Family

I feel I've known Rex all my life, first as the father of my best friend, then as a friend. It is with sadness that I read the announcement if his passing. My thoughts are with Terri and the family.

I knew Rex from my time at Camp Fire Boys and Girls.  He was on the board.  He was amazing, always willing to give and to help support the kids. We all enjoyed working with him.  My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.  What a kind man!

I am so very sad to hear this!! My first job was at Swensons and I will never forget it!! He was so great to each and every one of us! We were family not just employees! Years later when I was grown and had children of my own he told them when they were old enough it could be their first job too!! Loved him! He will be missed.

Rex Waite was a kind man.  He gave me my first job ever at Swensens in the mall on the cone line and a waitress.  He offered a great working atmosphere. He really made a difference for many and cared about others.  He will be missed.- Kari Kennedy Kendle

I've never met a person who cared so much about people, like Rex. 
Rex was like a second father to me and will always have a special place in my heart.  Deeply saddened for the loss of a loving friend.

Mr. Waite became my first mentor while working at Swensen's Ice Cream Shoppe while in high school. He presented to me many valuable lessons on how to run a restaurant business, food preparation, and customer service. He also brought to light an interest in politics when he ran for city council. 
During my time in the Marine Corps, I would make every effort to visit him and the shop when I would come into town on leave to catch up. 
He was not only our employer, he also took each and everyone of his employees under his wing as a father figure as well. I am quite sure he will be missed greatly by all who knew him.
Thank you, Sir!

Rex what a example u have set with the youth in Tucson by working them at Swensons ice cream,teaching them a work ethic.responsibility and helping the one's who had issues.you took a personal interest in them.including the adoption of one n raising her as ur dsughter n gave her away at her wedding. Lots of folks arent aware of this compassionate act on ur part. Her married name is Brittany Montoya also has two grandsons by her.Rayan.and Nathan,.Rex rescued her from a abusive situation,she was working at Swensons at the time.,I was.unaware of her until I moved to Mesa,and he called me to help her..I know his two sons Rex jr n David who worked as the mgr of Swensons.Rex and I developed a hell of a friend ship .we've lost a man of a breed that barely exists anymore.Thank you God for giving me such a good n LOYAL friend.My heart goes out to all his family.

Rex waa the most compassionate man I have ever met. He and his ex wife Helen became foster parents 30+yrs ago, when he found out I had been taken out of my home by child protective services. Rex always told me to remove the word "foster"from foster parent because he wanted me to know that I was his daughter, period. He had shown me both great work ethics as I worked with him from my teens until adulthood as well as pure sincerity and love. He will be greatly missed by both me and my boys ,that know him as grandpa Rex. I could only be so lucky as to ever have a man in my life as wonderful as Rex.
 I love you Pops--now and forever! Til we meet again. Thank you for the time we had...if only we could have had longer...

David, Rex, and families, I was sorry to read about your dad's passing. He was always really nice to me. Despite so many friends of his kids, and who knows how many young people who worked for him over the years, he always remembered my name. He had a great sense of humor and loved to tease the girls who hung around his sons. He just had a way of making everyone feel special. I'm sorry for your loss.

I worked for Rex at Swensen's in my teens. He taught me a lot about work ethic and how to be an entrepreneur. Although he expected his employees to work hard, he cared a lot about all of us. I'm sure he was proud to see the successes of his former employees.  When I would see him around town he always had a smile on his face and a positive attitude. He will be missed!

Rex will forever hold an place in Mom and my memories and hearts, that will never be matched.  The day at the Minature Museum was such a treat and one that he never complained once about how long we took or how slow Mom was.  He had so much true compassion with us it was a joy sharing his garden, his trains, and his company.

Mr. Waite will forever hold a SPECIAL Place in my Heart, and he let me know that I always held a special place in his. Mr. Waite's kindness and generosity will continue to live on through his family and in my heart. Rest in Peace Mr. Waite. Love, Terri

OBITUARY

Rex Richard Waite

26 January, 1929 – 5 April, 2015

East Lawn Palms Mortuary & Cemetery

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