Ernest ‘Larry’ Olsen

July 28, 1942-Oct. 26, 2022

Ernest “Larry” Olsen, loving husband, father and grandfather passed away Oct. 26, 2022, at his home in St. George, Utah, surrounded by family. He was 80 years old.

Dad was born July 28, 1942, to Ernest Vest (Dick) and Viola Olsen, in Ogden, Utah. He was the middle child with two sisters, Gail and Janice. They lost their father while they were very young, and although Larry was a loving and devoted son to his mother and took care of her and her home until she passed, he was not short on shenanigans in his youth. One day he faked illness to skip school. He’d fiddled with his mother’s car making sure it wouldn’t start so she’d have to take the bus to work. After she left, he hot-wired the car and drove it to Idaho.

He attended Ben Lomond High School. He loved music. He sang well and played the guitar in two different bands – The Monterays and James and the Agents.  Dad met his sweetheart on a blind date and married Barbara Mary Postel on Feb. 14, 1962. They celebrated their 60th anniversary this year. From this union came three children: Elaine, Becky and Jason. Their favorite child, however, is Ginger, their four-pawed adopted Chug.

When Dad was 16 years old, he got his first job working for an auto parts store on Washington
Boulevard. Later he worked at one of the first McDonalds in Utah, Skagg’s Drug Store and DDO. After many years of hard work he retired from HAFB with several awards under his belt. He is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Dad was so smart and could make anything and fix everything. One of his talents was creating stunning stained-glass pieces. He loved working with his hands and was a great carpenter. One of his proudest accomplishments was using his skills to help build two beautiful cabins in a picture-perfect spot in Star Valley where he and Mom made lasting memories with friends and family. Over the course of their time together, our parents raced cars in the SCCA, traveled extensively, camped, hiked, rode ATVs and enjoyed game nights – some lasting well into the early morning.

Dad had a sense of humor like no other. He found great pleasure in keeping people laughing and entertained. His humor was one of the things that helped him endure the hardships he faced this past year as his health declined. Dad was blessed to have several very close friends. He was grateful for their deep love and support throughout his life and especially towards the end. He often expressed how full his heart was and how lucky he was to have so many people who cared about him. As a family we express our heart-felt thanks to each of you.

Our father cherished any time spent with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved attending their various sporting events and theatrical performances. He has been such a blessing in our lives and the legacy of his “Never give up!” attitude will live on. Dad truly fought for every last minute here on Earth. We will miss him. We love you, Dad.

Larry is survived by his loving wife Barbara; children Elaine Forbes, Becky Johnson (Chad) and Jason Olsen (Linda); grandchildren Nicole (Brian), Thomas, Zane, Katelynd (Kelly), Tyler (Kylee) Alexis, Justin, Jessica, Katrissa and Oliver; many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Dick and Viola Olsen; sisters Gail Royle and Janice Bitton; and son-in-law Zachary Forbes.

The family wishes to thank Dixie Hospice for their help and kindness to our father in his last days. Also, thanks to Pine View Mortuary.

A memorial service is planned for a later date.

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