MONTPELIER - Alfred Elmer Swa, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather, died peacefully in his sleep Friday, Dec. 12, 2003 at the age of 90, at Bear Lake Memorial Hospital in Montpelier. He was born on Oct. 23, 1913 in Montpelier, the fifth of 11 children, to Alfred Louis and Minnie Watson Swa. He attended elementary school and then worked with his father to help support the family. On Oct. 9, 1933 he married his sweetheart LaWana Michaelson. They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. They were blessed with four children, Barbara, Robert, Dixie and Gary.

Alfred worked at several jobs and he loved the many friends he made at each job and throughout his life. He worked as superintendent of the City Water Department, railroad night watchman, in the Forest Service, and then in 1944 as the Superintendent of Highways for the State of Idaho. He retired after 31 years of service. He enjoyed his work and the many hours he spent with the 'crew'. He was a hard worker with a wonderful sense of humor. He never passed by anyone who needed help.

Alfred was a loving father and grandpa and enjoyed his grandkids, especially on camping and fishing trips with them and hunting with his sons. He was loved and well-respected by all who knew him and a good example to his kids and grandkids.

He is survived by his loving wife, LaWana, of 70 years; one daughter, Barbara (Weston) Hayes of Tucson, Ariz.; two sons, Gary Swa of Montpelier, Robert (Judy) Swa of Soda Springs; nine grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson; one sister, Deloris Meredith of Fort Collins, Colo.; one brother, DeWayne (Evelyn) Swa of Montpelier; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Dixie; four sisters, three brothers, his parents, one grandson, and one great-great-grandson.

Funeral services will be Monday, Dec. 15, at noon in the Matthews Mortuary Chapel, where friends may call that morning from 11 until 11:45 a.m. Burial will be in the Montpelier Cemetery.