Wayne R. Olsen, age 62, passed away December 6, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah surrounded by his loving wife and children after a short battle with cancer. He was born June 13, 1955 in Price, Utah to Royce and Lorene Van Buren Olsen. He married his high school sweetheart, Kelly Ann Jones. They were sealed in the Manti Temple on August 9, 1975.
Wayne grew up in Orangeville, Utah, built his home on his grandpa’s farm, and raised his family there. He graduated from Emery High School and attended Utah Valley Technical College. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where he served in many leadership capacities, but his heart was always with the youth. He had the ability to inspire many young men to achieve their highest rank in Scouting, to serve missions, and to be their best self.
His professional career started with UP&L in 1975 as a meter reader. He then moved to the power plants and held many positions before eventually becoming an Operations Shift Supervisor. He loved and respected everyone he worked with. These men became his family throughout those 42 years.
Wayne loved the outdoors, gardening, camping, fishing, hunting, and anywhere he could ride on a four-wheeler. Spending time with his wife and traveling together was one of his enjoyments. They saw many places and beautiful things, but Joes Valley still remained his favorite place to be. Wayne also enjoyed playing all sports, especially basketball and softball. He was the ultimate die-hard New York Yankees fan from the time he was young. He followed them religiously and had the chance to attend a few games.
His passion and greatest love was his wife and children and considered his grandchildren his prized possessions. They all had him wrapped around their fingers. He would go anywhere and do anything with them. He spent many hours giving four-wheeler rides, pushing kids on the Cox’s tire swing, and playing kickball games. “Mother May I” was always a big hit, especially when grandpa participated in the somersaults and front rollovers!
He is survived by his wife: Kelly; children: Tonja (Michael) Yost of Santaquin; Aric (Natalie) Olsen of Huntington; Bevan (Cyndee) Olsen of Lehi; and Brooke Olsen of Orangeville. 14 grandchildren; brother: Kerry (Dana) Olsen, Orangeville; and sister: Rolene (Wane) Justice, Midvale. He was preceded in death by his parents: Royce and Lorene Olsen; in-laws: Blake and Wilda Jones; grandparents: Lloyd and Irene Van Buren and Melva and Neldon Olsen.
The family expresses a special thank you to Huntsman Cancer Institute and Symbii for the amazing compassion and care given him during this time.
Funeral Services will be Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at The LDS Orangeville First Ward building. A viewing will be held Monday, December 11, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. at Fausett Mortuary located at 720 North Center Street, Castle Dale, Utah, and at 9:30 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow in the Orangeville Cemetery. Family and friends may sign the guestbook and share memories of Wayne at www.fausettmortuary.com.