The man, the myth, the legend. Jay Scott Swaffar, aka Scott, aka “Swaff,” passed away December 14, 2023 on a job site. He loved Staker Parson, he loved working, so in a way, as tragic and heartbreaking it is to have lost him, it was the most fitting way for him to go.
Scott was born in Kansas on September 23, 1967 to Jay and Nancy. Shortly after he was born, his family relocated to Salt Lake, UT, where he would live for the remainder of his life. He attended Granger High School and had the most beautiful jet black mullet (quite contrary to the shiny bald head he rocked for most his adult life).
At 20, he had his first daughter, Kelsey, then 6 years later he had Alexis. Although Kelsey and Alexis are his only biological children, he fathered 7 other children as his own, Tyler, Bryson, Justin, Chance, Colton, Katie, and Kenneth. He had 15 bonus grandchildren and his light, Winston. He took great pride in his role as dad and was always instilling life lessons and skills, teaching manners, and showing us all the best horror movies. He was an incredible father, but an even better Papa.
He was a true kid at heart and exemplified patience with his grandchildren as he loved doing crafts, playing games, having snowball fights, taking them on adventures, and teaching them new and exciting things. His grandchildren will miss their Papa deeply.
Scott had many passions in life, he loved camping and fishing, going to concerts, working on cars, electronics and video games, smoking meat, flower, and cheering on his favorite sports teams. With his loud, booming voice, he took pride in being the loudest person in the room always. He had quite the movie collection, horror genre being his ultimate favorite, the gorier the better. He was amazingly witty and sarcastic, and always said what was on his mind. He had the most incredible (wildly inappropriate) sense of humor; he believed nothing was off limits nor a situation that didn’t warrant a good laugh, a trait he passed on to his children. For such a burly, strong "manly-man," he wasn't opposed to the regular pedicure, routine beard maintenance, and keeping his eyebrows and nose hairs trimmed (the latter, a task Alexis gladly took on).
He worked for Staker Parson for roughly 17 years and enjoyed taking his loved ones onsite so he could teach them job safety, let them talk over the radio, and watch him shine in his natural element as he ran the plant. He made numerous life long connections and friends through work. Always the one with the inappropriate jokes and the cool, calm demeanor when seemingly everything was going wrong.
The phrases “hey mister,” “a-ma-ZING,” “outstanding,” or “right” is forever imprinted by his voice. To say he will be missed is an understatement; he left a great impact on those that knew and loved him, a true light in all of our lives. Survived by his brother, Craig, his daughters Kelsey and Alexis (Ian), his grandson, Winston, and his bonus children and grandchildren all whom he loved and shared a special bond with. He missed his parents immensely, especially his mother, so we find comfort knowing their souls are reunited.
To honor him the best way we know how, we will be having a Celebration Of Life on Saturday, December 23rd at 4pm. It will be held at Holiday Inn at 5001 Wiley Post Way SLC, UT 84116.
In lieu of flowers, please bring your favorite memories and loudest party favors. We want to send him off as loud as he was.
