LORIN ALBERT BOSWELL, JR.

Born: August 19, 1940
Died: April 8, 2008

Lorin A. Boswell, Jr., was born in Fort Worth, Texas, son of Lorin Albert Boswell and Josephine Shaw Boswell. He was a descendant of two pioneer Fort Worth families. He prepared for Yale at Paschal High School in Fort Worth.

At Yale he was a resident of Pierson College. He received his B.A. in Sociology with honors. The Banner reflects that he roomed with Brent Brolin, Alden Jencks and the late Bob Schwartz.

Following graduation Lorin returned to his native state and attended the University of Texas Law School in Austin where he earned his J.D. in 1965. After his admission to the Bar he practiced law in Fort Worth for more than 40 years, specializing in wills, estate planning and probate. He was a member of the Tarrant County Bar Association and the State Bar of Texas.

Lorin was active in the Fort Worth community. He was a member of Steeplechase, the Kappa Sigma fraternity, the Fort Worth Boat Club, the Fort Worth Club and Rivercrest Country Club and an avid supporter of the annual Fort Worth Stock Show. He served on the boards of the Harris Methodist Hospital and the First Christian Church.

Lorin was also a philanthropist. He carried on his family tradition of charitable works and giving through the Lorin Boswell Foundation, a foundation named for his father. His particular interest was support for Fort Worth hospitals, including Cook's Children's Hospital and Harris Methodist. In tribute to his generosity, Harris Methodist named its chapel after him.

Lorin's public service also included appointment to a committee created by the State Legislature in 1989 to evaluate state regulation of proprietary schools. He was selected for this post by the Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, Gibson D. Lewis.

Lorin married the former Janice Carter on December 5, 1969. They had 3 daughters, including identical twins. His obituary in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram described him as "a loving, devoted father" who would be remembered for his grace, patience, generosity and loyalty.

Lorin developed a passion for physical fitness and healthy nutrition beginning in 1988. He competed in many races including the Cowtown Marathon. It was said about him that the Harris Downtown Fitness Center was his second home.

He and his family were avid travelers. He was particularly fond of Jamaica and the family made annual visits for nearly 40 years. His favorite trip was in 2005 to Bali with his daughter Amber and son in law Chris, when at age 65 he climbed the Mount Batur Volcano. His guide told him he was one of the oldest persons to have summited this still active 5,633 foot volcano.

Lorin resided the last 20 years on Eagle Mountain Lake where he enjoyed boating. He was a devoted member of the Hopeworks Church in Fort Worth. He, his children and grandchildren were baptized by the pastor and his personal friend Shane Gray just prior to his death.

Lorin died of pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his former wife Janice of Fort Worth; daughter Shelley Karpman and son-in-law Robert of Fort Worth; daughter Amber and son-in-law Chris Lightbound of Hong Kong; daughter Laura Pettit and son-in-law Hunt of Fort Worth; 3 granddaughters, Emma, Annabelle and Mamie Karpman of Fort Worth; his sister Gayle Boswell Gordon and her husband Patrick of Fort Worth; and his dear friend and companion Glenda Gray of Fort Worth. He was predeceased by his parents and a sister Beverly Jean Boswell, who died in infancy.

His family expressed gratitude to his friend and oncologist Dr. Asad Dean, the Set Free Ministries nursing staff and Community Hospice. Memorial contributions may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 2141 Rosecrans Avenue, El Segundo, California or the Community Hospice of Texas.