Provo, UT – Norman Lloyd Olsen, 84, passed away on June 6, 2011, in his apartment in Provo, Utah. He was born June 20, 1926 in Neola, Utah to Birnell Olsen and Rachel Lenora Averett Olsen. He was the oldest of six children. Norman’s childhood years were spent in Neola, Utah; Price, Utah; and McKinnon, Wyoming. At the age of 18, he left home and traveled to Denver, Colorado, where he got a job bailing broom corn. He then traveled to Oklahoma City where he worked in the oilfields until he received his draft notice. He served in the US Navy during the end of World War II in the Pacific Islands aboard the USS Sphinx. Upon his return to Wyoming, he dated Veda Mae Briggs for about six months. They were married on March 24th, 1947 in Elko, Nevada. Their marriage was solemnized 56 years later in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple in July of 2003. They raised three sons and three daughters. Norman worked in construction, in saw mills, in coal mines, and in the oilfield. He retired from El Paso/Northwest Pipeline in 1985 in Big Piney, Wyoming after working for the company for 26 years. Norman served on the Marbleton Wyoming Town Council for several years and worked with Search & Rescue for 5 to 6 years. He was a boy Scout leader for many years and enjoyed the outings with his boys. He was an avid hunter and especially enjoyed bow hunting. Norman had a great love for the outdoors and many family vacations and outings were spent fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, swimming, and getting wood in for the winter. He taught his family to be honest, be hard workers, be self reliant, live within your means, and stay out of debt. Following retirement, Norman and Veda spent many months during the next twelve years in St. George as snowbirds until they decided to make their move a permanent one. While in St. George, Norman enjoyed spending time golfing and in his yard taking care of his lawn, fruit trees and flowers. In July of 2010, Norman and Veda sold their home in St. George and following a short stay in the assisted living there, moved to Provo. They have been living in the Jamestown Assisted Living where Norman passed away. Norman was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a mission for one year with his wife in the St. George Rehabilitation Center and really enjoyed working with the residents. He was very faithful in all his callings and always willing to help where needed.
Norman is survived by his wife, Veda Olsen, two sisters: Cherrill Marx, Price, UT; Linda Silvas; Price, UT; five children: Michael (Caroline) Olsen, Mt Vernon, WA; David (Wanda Ann) Olsen, Washington, UT; Margie Olsen, Springville, UT; Diane (Bill) Stauner, Star, ID; Jane (Keith) Osterman, Evanston, WY; 24 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren and many nieces & nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at the St. George 12th Ward Chapel, 449 South 300 East, St. George, UT. Family and friends may call at the church one hour prior to services. Interment will be at the Tonaquint Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221.