Bernell Boswell

Our beloved husband, father and friend, Bernell Nephi Boswell, slipped peacefully into his Heavenly Father’s arms on May 26, 2015 at his home in St. George, UT, surrounded by family.  Bernie was born in Payson, Utah on November 7, 1925 to Robert and Elizabeth Boswell. Bernie married his sweetheart, Shirley Nelson on February 28, 1948 and they had 5 children together.   He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Von, Reed, Joe and Richard Boswell and sister Betty Ann Jackson as well as his two sons Michael and Scott Boswell.

Bernie had a distinguished career in humanitarian services and was the recipient of many awards and honors. He was Founder and Executive Director of The Cottage Program International for the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse. Bernie developed Families in Focus, a program devoted to improving communication and strengthening families. He contributed his services to the LDS Church’s Publication on Alcoholism and Family to help LDS families in preventing and intervening in alcohol abuse and other destructive behaviors

In collaboration with the United Nations and other charitable organizations, Bernie contributed to the creation of the “International Year of the Family” to help address the diverse needs of families. He served as a member of the National Advisory Council for the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and as liaison to the core group of the Science Advisory Board as well as ad hoc to the Alcohol Drug Abuse and Mental Health Administration, and as a consultant for the U.S Department of Education

As a Select Member of the National Academy of Science, Washington, DC, he participated in developing alternative policies regarding the prevention of alcohol abuse and alcoholism for our federal government. He testified before the United States Congress on multiple occasions advocating the need for prevention services.

He appeared frequently on national and local television always emphasizing the critical role of family in creating an emotionally healthy society.  His biographical sketch appears in Who's Who in America and Who's Who in the World.  Bernie was chosen as a Torch Bearer for the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympic Winter Games.

He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley, daughters Elizabeth Hansen and DiAnna Mathieson, son Kelly Boswell, his 5 grandchildren Nathan Hansen, Jennifer Hansen, Erik (Cambria) Hansen, Heidi (Nathan) Appleton and Tyler Mathieson and 11 great grandchildren. He also leaves behind many relatives and friends. Bernie’s life’s work was dedicated to family, not only his own but families across this nation and throughout the world. He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege to know him.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2015 from 4-5 pm at the Sunset Stake Center, 100 North Dixie Drive, St. George, UT. A celebration of his life will follow until 7 pm.  A graveside service will be held on Monday, June 1 at 11 a.m. at Eastlawn Memorial Hills, 4800 North 650 East (Eastlawn Drive), Provo, Utah.

The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to Southern Utah Home Care and Hospice who lovingly cared for Bernie in his final days.