William Burke Swope

William Burke Swope, 68, passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of August 1, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on June 21, 1957, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to William and Elizabeth Swope, Will spent his childhood in Baltimore, Maryland, alongside his younger sister, Claire. At 18, he joined the U.S. Army and served as a combat engineer in Germany.

Following his military service, Will ventured west and embraced a life of adventure and hard work. He held a variety of rugged and colorful jobs—cowboying in Pinedale, Wyoming, working on seismographic crews, and roughnecking on multiple oil rigs. In 1979, Will met the love of his life, Wendy Frances Kaelin. The two married soon after and welcomed their first daughter, Christina, in 1982. In those early years, the family lived simply, even spending time in a teepee in Pinedale.

In 1983, they moved to Driggs, Idaho, and later settled on 20 acres in nearby Victor. There, they expanded their family with the births of William, Laura, Jennifer, and Kimberly. Together, they farmed dairy cows and built a life rooted in community and hard work.

Will discovered his lifelong passion and talent in stone masonry—his craftsmanship can be seen throughout Teton Valley and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. His work stands as a lasting testament to his skill, strength, and love for the land.

Those who knew Will remember him for his big personality, quick wit, and endless supply of bad jokes. He loved spending time with his numerous grandchildren, had a deep love for the outdoors, for tending to his land and plants, and for the many animals who found a home with him, especially his devoted rescue dog Rosie, who rarely left his side for the past eight years.

Above all, Will was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who cherished time with his family. His presence filled a room, and his legacy will live on in the many lives he touched.

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