Alvah Ben Swain III

Apr 30, 1949 -

Nov 13, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Alvah Ben Swain III on Nov. 13, 2024, at the age of 75, in his sleep with his beloved wife, Libby, by his side at Providence Alaska Medical Center from complications of diabetes. Alvah was born on April 30, 1949, in Beaumont, Texas, to Alvah Ben Swain Jr. and Martha Ann Bernsen. Alvah lived in Texas with his family as a child, moved to Iran for his father's work and moved back to the United States in 1957. He and his family moved to New York, where he lived until he joined the military in 1967. Alvah was stationed in Ft. Bliss, Texas; Germany; Ft. Meade, Md.; and Ft. Richardson, Alaska. Alvah met his current wife, Libby, in 1976, on the racquet ball court in Ft. Richardson. They married in 1982, and lived in Eagle River. Alvah joined the Army, in 1967, as an Air Defense Artillery NIKE Missile Operator and an Army Chaplain's Assistant. He left the active Army in 1977, where he entered the Army Reserves. Alvah began training as a life insurance agent with Lincoln National Life Insurance Company and graduated from the Life Underwriter Training Council in 1979. Alvah transitioned back into the Active Army Reserve in 1984, where he finished his career as Recruiter. He was recognized as a top recruiter and earned his Recruiter's Ring during his service. He retired as a Sergeant First Class in 1995. Alvah returned to his career as a life insurance agent with New York Life and AlaskaUSA Insurance Company until his retirement in 2002. Alvah was dedicated to his family and enjoyed spending time with his many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a bear of a man and proud veteran, who loved Jesus and lived with his heart on his sleeve. He was ridiculously generous, inappropriately boisterous, hilariously funny and decidedly bull-headed. He loved to sing, was passionate about history, fishing and baseball. Alvah loved to travel and when he could no longer travel, he spent many hours on the phone with his best friend, Bill Ward, while they watched the latest baseball game. Although he will be terribly missed on Earth, we look forward to that joyful day when we will all see him again in Glory. Alvah is preceded in joining the Lord by his mother and father; brother, Thomas Swain; and sister, Danella Schuler. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Swain, and their three children, Brian, Conner and Aleah. He is also survived by his ex-wife Candace Swain, and their children, Darin, Lysie, Desiree, Deahna, Dahlia and Dainen. He is also survived by 35 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one on the way. He is also survived by his sisters, Diane Acosta and Debbie Swain Guinn; and brothers, Stephen Swain and Hunter Swain. The memorial service will be held at Eagle River Grace Church, 17850 Birchtree St., Chugiak, AK 99567, on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, at 6:30 p.m., to be officiated by Reverend Franklin Blodgett. Alvah will be laid to rest at Joint Base Elmondorf-Richardson National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929.