April 18, 1971 ~ Sept. 26, 2020
Suzhou, China—Michael Edwin Swope passed away on September 26, 2020 in St. George, Utah, due to complications of COVID-19.
He was born on April 18, 1971, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to David and Janis Swope. He was sealed to his wife, Heather Jensen Swope on December 2, 2004, in the Salt Lake City Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah
Mike’s life began in a small basement apartment on 11th Avenue in Salt Lake City where he lived with his parents and was later joined by a younger sister and two younger brothers. When he was five, the family then packed up and moved to Murray, Utah. Mike spent his childhood years creating memories in a neighborhood full of friends. At age 14, Mike and his family moved to a house in Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Mike finished his junior high years at Butler Middle School and began his first and only year at Brighton High School. During this time, in 1985, he became an Eagle Scout. In September 1987, Mike’s family decided to make a big move to Katy, Texas. Mike attended James E. Taylor High School for his junior and senior years and graduated in May 1989
After Mike graduated from high school, he was accepted to the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. Following his freshman year, Mike chose to serve a two-year full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was called to serve in the Albuquerque, New Mexico Mission and spent those two years in many areas near the four corners. Mike often recalled with tenderness many stories of his mission, especially his opportunities to serve on the Navajo Reservation and learn from his beloved Mission President as an Assistant to the President. After his two-year mission, Mike returned to his studies at the University of Utah and served as a resident advisor. He later graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. Mike worked many different jobs while in college, including as a snow mobile guide as well as the general manager of Charlie Chow’s restaurant. It was there that he met his future business partner, the owner of the Chinese restaurant, who opened the door to Mike’s business ventures in China. Mike began an entrepreneurial career and frequently traveled there to conduct business. During this time in his life, he met and began dating his wife, Heather, who shared his love of travel and interest in living abroad
Mike and Heather spent their first years of marriage living in Salt Lake City and then moved to Houston, Texas as a stepping stone for them to fulfill their dream of living in China. Mike led the way and then Heather joined him in 2013. Mike and Heather loved each place they lived and appreciated opportunities to experience Southern hospitality, the goodness of the Chinese people and meet many wonderful people from around the world. While in China, Mike and Heather were thrilled to discover that Heather was pregnant with their first child, a long hoped for miracle! Sierryn Jae Swope was born in Houston, Texas on October 19, 2016. Shortly thereafter, Mike, Heather and Sierryn returned to their home in Suzhou, China. Mike was called to be the Branch President of the Suzhou Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2018 and was currently serving in that role at the time of his passing. He loved his Suzhou Branch family and served them faithfully
In the spring of 2019, Mike and Heather received a second miracle! They were expecting a baby boy who would be delivered in St. George, Utah. Britton Michael Bradley Swope was born on December 31, 2019. Mike, Heather, Sierryn and Britton were planning to return to Suzhou, but the COVID-19 pandemic halted their plans. They were graciously invited to stay at the home of Joan and Tracy Kvarfordt, Heather’s mother and stepfather, until a clear path for the future unfolded. Mike, Heather and their children enjoyed precious time with family after being away for many years and created special and lasting bonding memories.
Mike was an avid reader and learner and was pursuing a double Master’s Degree in Business Administration and Information Systems from the University of Utah at the time of his passing. He thrived and excelled in his studies and will be awarded Posthumous degrees in both programs. Mike had great passion for life, was an animated storyteller, and loved sharing the many interesting experiences he gained during his travels throughout Asia. He served faithfully in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and especially loved his opportunities to interact with the youth. Mike had a gift for connecting with others and sought to uplift, serve, and bless all those around him. Above all, Mike was a loyal and devoted husband and father who made family time and love a priority. His kindness and compassion were limitless! Mike will be greatly missed!
Michael Edwin Swope is survived by: Heather Jensen Swope (spouse), Sierryn Jae Swope (daughter), Britton Michael Bradley Swope (son)—Suzhou, China; Janis Swope (mother)—Hempstead, Texas; Maren Eberhard and Chris Eberhard (sister and brother-in-law) and their children Courtney Eberhard’s Norah, Atticus, and Bailey Eberhard—Hempstead, Texas; Andrew and Laurie Swope (brother and sister-inlaw) and their children Kendall, Erika, Josie, and Parker—Lehi, Utah; Steven Swope (brother)— Richmond, Texas; Joan and Tracy Kvarfordt (mother-and father-in-law)—St. George, Utah; Kyle and Mikki Jensen (brother-and sister-in-law) and their children Kyson and Leighton—Delta Utah; Cory and Bree Jensen (brother-and sister-in-law) and their children Kinley, Tavrey, and Becks—Fillmore, Utah; Kaydn and Julia Jensen (brother-and sister-in-law)—St. George, Utah. He is also survived by many loving uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.
Mike was preceded in death by: David Michael Swope (father)—Hempstead, Texas; Bradley M. Jensen (father-in-law)—Deseret, Utah; Margaret “Peggy” Ramey (paternal grandmother), Robert Ramey (paternal step grandfather), David Irving Swope (paternal grandfather); Max and Ruth Tennant (maternal grandparents), Howard and LuAna Jensen (grandparents-in-law)—Deseret, Utah; James and Orvetta Nickle and Sam Groom (grandparents-in-law)—Delta, Utah. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the loving, selfless care provided by the doctors and nurses in the Intensive Care Unit at Dixie Regional Medical Center River Road. Thank you for being our voices and arms of compassion when we could not be there.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 2, 2020, at 5 p.m. Mountain Standard Time at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 628 S. 3000 E. Street, Washington, Utah. A viewing will be held on Friday, October 2, 2020 at 4 p.m. at 628 S. 3000 E. Street, Washington, Utah. The funeral services will also be broadcast via a secured Zoom link. A graveside service and the interment will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2020 at 12 p.m. at Deseret City Cemetery.
Family and friends are invited to share tributes online at www.SerenityStG.com. Arrangements and memorial tree planting by Serenity Funeral Home of Southern Utah, 435-986-9100.
