Robert Ward Swift

Bob was an avid cyclist, runner, and swimmer since his youth. Bob rode his bicycles to work as a paperboy, to high school and seminary, on both of his missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and to work throughout his life. In addition to numerous long scenic rides, including a bucket list cross country tour covering over 3,000 miles in 2009, he participated in several races, including 5 Silverman triathlons in Henderson, NV, and Challenge and Ironman triathlons throughout the US, Canada, Europe, and New Zealand.

Bob earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Brigham Young University in 1975, and a Master’s Degree in Adaptive Physical Education from the University of Utah in 1979.

Bob met his wife, Carla Lyon, while a student at BYU. They were married and sealed in the St. George Temple on January 2, 1974. Together, they raised 6 children and spoiled 27 grandchildren, ranging in ages from young adult to infant.

Bob was an active and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After high school, he served a proselytizing mission for the Church in Munich, Germany, from 1970-1972. During his working years, he served his local congregation as a youth leader of various types, including Young Men’s President, Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, Blazer Leader, and Primary Teacher. In his retirement years, he was a temple worker for 8 years, and from 2021-2023, he served a second mission, along with his wife, Carla, in the Berlin, Germany mission, this time serving the young adults in the area. During his mission, he coordinated significant volunteer support for the Special Olympic Games held in Berlin in 2023.

Beginning in 1980, Bob was the sole swim instructor for Variety School in the Clark County School District in Las Vegas, NV. Variety was a specialized school for children with moderate to severe physical and mental disabilities, where Bob taught for 34 years. During his teaching career, he was also a swim coach. He started coaching for the Las Vegas Sandpipers in the early 1980’s, later the Gold. Since the early 1990’s, Bob coached for the Boulder City Henderson swim team for about 30 years. In 2003, Bob coached the Green Valley High School swim team, which placed in the top three at the State Meet each of the 16 years he coached. It was as a swim coach that he earned the widely known moniker, “Coach Bob”.

In mid-August of this year, Bob suffered a major heart attack. After a valiant 4-month struggle to recover, his body stopped responding to treatment. Bob passed away on the morning of December 14, 2023, with family at his side. He is now home with his Heavenly Father, and we who mourn his absence here await the day when we are reunited with him in the eternities.

Bob was preceded in death by his father Edward, mother Maurine, brother Bill, and grandson Christopher Bennett Miller. He is survived by his wife Carla, his six children, Laura, Deanne, Scott, Todd, Ryan, and Rachel, 26 grandchildren, and siblings Steve, Ann, and John.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Special Olympics or Opportunity Village:

https://support.specialolympics.org/a/give-in-your-state-3x-match-eoy?ms=google-soi-national&gad_source=1

https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E11103&id=3