Richard Olson

In loving memory of Richard Joseph Olson, who was born on December 23, 1948, in Springfield, Massachusetts, and departed this life on February 21, 2024, in Highland, Utah, at the age of 75.

Rich, the son of Kenneth and Aileen Olson, grew up an "Air Force Brat", moving around the country, but lived in San Bernardino, California, for the majority of his life.

Rich was a graduate of Pacific High School, class of 1966. He served his country as a Seabee in the Navy during the Vietnam Conflict.

On May 6, 1978, Rich married Vana Showalter, his beloved wife, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Two hobbies they enjoyed together were country western dancing and boating.

He worked thirty-two years for the San Bernardino County Flood Control and Transportation Department, where he made many lifelong friends and associates.

He is the proud father of one daughter and two sons; Heather, Sean, and Jeremy. He loved being a part of their lives and helping in any way possible, even with something as simple as weather forecasts or traffic updates. He was reliable and always willing to watch over his children.

Holding his family close to his heart, Rich found solace and happiness in the time spent with his wife. Additionally, he loved spending time with and teasing his children and grandchildren. He cherished his grandchildren and they brought immense joy to his life. Traveling between Utah, California, and Oregon, he made every effort to be with his family. He often messaged them and sent them pictures to keep in touch.

He could be found weekly on the golf course with his "golf family" and teaching his grandchildren the game. He had a soft spot for cars, the Ford Mustang and Shelby Cobra being his favorites. He loved looking in the skies for military aircraft. He emulated in his personality his favorite Disney character, Goofy. His favorite animal was the adorable otter. Rich's ability to engage in conversations with anyone he met made him a respected, admired, and cherished friend to many.

He loved brownies. He loved car shows. He loved road trips. His spaghetti sauce and potato salad were famous. He found the perfect hot sauce. He collected flashlights and binoculars. He loved barbecuing (he also loved buying barbecues). He found a love and talent in voice lessons and singing. Thanksgiving and Christmas were his favorite times of the year.

He became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1997. He loved studying the gospel and learning about our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Rich is survived by his loving wife, Vana Renee; his children, Heather (Taggard) Hecker, Sean Keays (fiancée, Krystal), and Jeremy (Marisa) Olson, along with his ten precious grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Kenneth (Karen) Olson; sister, Carolyn Cloud; and brother, Thomas (Loraine) Olson. Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Aileen Olson, as well as his brother, Frank Olson.

A closed casket visitation with the family for Rich will be held on Monday, March 4, 2024, at 10:00 to 10:45 AM followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM in the Anderson and Sons Lone Peak Chapel located at 6141 West 11000 North, Highland, UT 84003. The interment will after the funeral at The Utah Veterans Memorial Park and Cemetery.

Memories and condolences can be shared on Rich's Tribute Wall at www.AndersonMortuary.com

Rich's legacy of love, warmth, and goofiness will forever remain in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known him. We know he has found peace and comfort with our Savior Jesus Christ.