1928
Harold
2020
Harold Olsen
August 13, 1928 — January 19, 2020
Harold Demont Olsen, age 91 passed away on January 19th, 2020, at his home in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was born on August 13, 1928, the oldest of eight children born to Fayben Charles and Vera Chader Olsen.
At the age of 22, Harold married his high school sweetheart Patricia Ann Whitmore, age 20, on June 24, 1951. They had three children, Knox, Jan and Ogden. They were married 65 years until she passed away peacefully on January 28, 2016. Harold’s heart was broken on that day. Life totally changed for their whole family, including Tebo, their standard poodle, with her passing.
With time, they picked up the pieces and moved forward with their new normal. Mourning the loss of his beloved and devoted wife definitely caused the beginning of his decline. However, with strength and determination he continued to find joy and a zest for living. These things made him happy: Planting a flower garden to admire the delicate hues and details of each one. Planting a vegetable garden and sharing his prime pickings with the ones he loved. Harold also never turned down an invite to get out of his art studio and be with family, especially with his daughter Jan. He valued the time fishing and being outdoors with his sons, Knox and Ogden. He enjoyed time with his sisters Shirley and Maryann, and his nieces, Brenda, Kelly, and Katie too. He was happy and grateful for those precious moments enjoying their good food and desserts.
Harold’s desire for drawing and painting began in the halls of Jordan High class of 1945. It was often said if he was absent in algebra you could track him down in an art class. He attended University of Utah to study fine arts where his passion for painting also became his livelihood for teaching. He wanted to share his lessons with the many lucky ones who had the intimate opportunity of being by his side while creating a masterpiece. Many of his art students, including Cheri, Julie, Stephanie and Joyce, became friends and continued to learn from him for many years.
Harold served for five years in the United States Air Force after graduating from the University of Utah. Harold and Pat left Utah with their young son, Knox to begin this adventure. His twins, Jan and Ogden were born while he was stationed in South Carolina. After he completed his service in the military,the family returned to Salt Lake City.
Harold was always looking at the world through those gifted eyes of an artist. For him it appeared natural to appreciate the great outdoors with all it’s magical wonders. He observed all the details, large and small, found in nature and would marvel at it’s splendor. The road less traveled also sparked his interest for photography, providing the opportunity to find random subjects for his canvas. Capturing a flock of geese, a babbling brook, a majestic mountain or fields of gold.
Harold and Pat spent their summers at their beloved ranch near Edmonton, Canada (with extended stops in Montana) where he could fully immerse himself in the alpine beauty. Harold and Pat made dear, lifelong friends during these summers in Canada, which enriched their lives.
Using a wide array of mediums such as watercolors, acrylics and oils, charmed his soul. Harold’s desire to create stayed with him his entire life and he continued to paint his beautiful vision of our world until his passing. Sadly, he slipped away without completing all of his masterpieces.
Harold is survived by his three children, Knox, Jan and Ogden and two granddaughters, Kara and Morgan. He is also survived by four siblings Sylvan, Shirley, Wally and Maryann. He was preceded in death by his wife “Patsy” and his siblings Bonnie and Dick and an infant brother. He was also preceded in death by Uncle Tom and Aunt Helen Robson who weren’t actually relatives but were family anyway.
Services will be held at Memorial Mountain View Mortuary, 3115 E Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, Utah.
January 31, 2020: Viewing and visitation from 6 – 8 pm.
February 1, 2020: Viewing and visitation from 10-11:00 am. Funeral services to begin at 11:00 am, Interment to follow at Memorial Mountain View Cemetery.Service Information
Viewing January 31, 2020 at 6-8 pm
Memorial Mountain View
Viewing February 1, 2020 at 10:00 am
Memorial Mountain View
Funeral Service
February 1, 2020 at 11:00 am
Memorial Mountain View
At the age of 22, Harold married his high school sweetheart Patricia Ann Whitmore, age 20, on June 24, 1951. They had three children, Knox, Jan and Ogden. They were married 65 years until she passed away peacefully on January 28, 2016. Harold’s heart was broken on that day. Life totally changed for their whole family, including Tebo, their standard poodle, with her passing.
With time, they picked up the pieces and moved forward with their new normal. Mourning the loss of his beloved and devoted wife definitely caused the beginning of his decline. However, with strength and determination he continued to find joy and a zest for living. These things made him happy: Planting a flower garden to admire the delicate hues and details of each one. Planting a vegetable garden and sharing his prime pickings with the ones he loved. Harold also never turned down an invite to get out of his art studio and be with family, especially with his daughter Jan. He valued the time fishing and being outdoors with his sons, Knox and Ogden. He enjoyed time with his sisters Shirley and Maryann, and his nieces, Brenda, Kelly, and Katie too. He was happy and grateful for those precious moments enjoying their good food and desserts.
Harold’s desire for drawing and painting began in the halls of Jordan High class of 1945. It was often said if he was absent in algebra you could track him down in an art class. He attended University of Utah to study fine arts where his passion for painting also became his livelihood for teaching. He wanted to share his lessons with the many lucky ones who had the intimate opportunity of being by his side while creating a masterpiece. Many of his art students, including Cheri, Julie, Stephanie and Joyce, became friends and continued to learn from him for many years.
Harold served for five years in the United States Air Force after graduating from the University of Utah. Harold and Pat left Utah with their young son, Knox to begin this adventure. His twins, Jan and Ogden were born while he was stationed in South Carolina. After he completed his service in the military,the family returned to Salt Lake City.
Harold was always looking at the world through those gifted eyes of an artist. For him it appeared natural to appreciate the great outdoors with all it’s magical wonders. He observed all the details, large and small, found in nature and would marvel at it’s splendor. The road less traveled also sparked his interest for photography, providing the opportunity to find random subjects for his canvas. Capturing a flock of geese, a babbling brook, a majestic mountain or fields of gold.
Harold and Pat spent their summers at their beloved ranch near Edmonton, Canada (with extended stops in Montana) where he could fully immerse himself in the alpine beauty. Harold and Pat made dear, lifelong friends during these summers in Canada, which enriched their lives.
Using a wide array of mediums such as watercolors, acrylics and oils, charmed his soul. Harold’s desire to create stayed with him his entire life and he continued to paint his beautiful vision of our world until his passing. Sadly, he slipped away without completing all of his masterpieces.
Harold is survived by his three children, Knox, Jan and Ogden and two granddaughters, Kara and Morgan. He is also survived by four siblings Sylvan, Shirley, Wally and Maryann. He was preceded in death by his wife “Patsy” and his siblings Bonnie and Dick and an infant brother. He was also preceded in death by Uncle Tom and Aunt Helen Robson who weren’t actually relatives but were family anyway.
Services will be held at Memorial Mountain View Mortuary, 3115 E Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, Utah.
January 31, 2020: Viewing and visitation from 6 – 8 pm.
February 1, 2020: Viewing and visitation from 10-11:00 am. Funeral services to begin at 11:00 am, Interment to follow at Memorial Mountain View Cemetery.Service Information
Viewing January 31, 2020 at 6-8 pm
Memorial Mountain View
Viewing February 1, 2020 at 10:00 am
Memorial Mountain View
Funeral Service
February 1, 2020 at 11:00 am
Memorial Mountain View
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