Tracy Schwab

Tracy Merritt Schwab passed away March 19, 2021 in Cheverly, Maryland.

Tracy was born November 17, 1967 in Ogden, Utah to Scott and Mary Jo Schwab. He was the fourth of five children. He spent most of his childhood in Cokeville and Afton, Wyoming. He graduated from Star Valley High School in 1986. In high school he excelled in art, sang in the choir, and played the viola, where he was a member of the Wyoming All-State orchestra.

After high school he attended the University of Wyoming in Laramie and then served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Canada Calgary Mission. Upon returning from his mission he attended Utah State University and obtained a dual Bachelor’s degree in German and Political Science. While at USU he sang for three years with the New Horizons Choir and also played in the USU symphony orchestra.

In 1993 he completed an internship in Washington, D.C. at the American Institute of Physics. This became his full-time employment, and he eventually became creative services director at AIP.  In 2013 he married JJ Nolis of Cheverly, Maryland. They were later divorced.

Tracy always had a thirst for knowledge and self-improvement. He studied Reiki at the Greater Reiki Center of Washington, D.C . and achieved master status.  He also studied web and graphic design at Boston University to enhance his work skills, and he founded a charity in D.C. called The Collectives.

He enjoyed art, nature, traveling, reading, singing, photography, music, and cooking. He had a great sense of humor and always enjoyed telling a funny story or laughing at one being told. He was an expert Scrabble player and a skilled writer and artist. He taught himself to decorate wedding cakes and created many of these beautiful cakes for family and friends.

Tracy was a friend to all and took time to lovingly care for everyone he met along life’s path. Since his passing many former co-workers, friends and relatives have shared fond memories and stories of Tracy’s compassion and caring. Because of his magnetic personality and the greatness of his heart he always had a quiver full of friends. He lived life joyfully and bravely, with a smile on his face. We are comforted knowing that he is now reunited with mom and dad and free from the many challenges that his deteriorating health presented during the last few years of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Scott and Mary Jo Schwab, and one nephew. He is survived by four siblings; Carol Ann (Sterling) Larsen of Solon, Ohio; Sandra Kay (Bruce) Walker of Soda Springs, Idaho; Orrin (Valeta) Schwab of Providence, Utah and Ryan (Erin) Schwab of Mesa, Arizona as well as many nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins who loved him dearly.

A memorial service for Tracy will be held in Star Valley, Wyoming at a future date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the charity SOME.org an organization that helps the homeless get back on their feet.