Reid L. Olsen
Reid L. "Bill" Olsen1927 ~ 2012
HELPER-Our beloved husband, father and grandpa, Reid Lamon "Bill" Olsen, age 85, peacefully passed away while surrounded by family on July 20, 2012 in Helper, Utah from age related health issues.
Reid was born in Consumers, Utah on April 12, 1927 to Ira Glen Olsen and Myrtle Clair Bishop. He married his high school sweetheart, Lois Wilson on September 1, 1946 in Duchesne, Utah. Their marriage was solemnized in the Manti Temple on July 21, 1964.
While in high school, he began employment with the coal mines. Reid served for 20 years as a UMWA miner in various local mines. He subsequently served as a Shift Foreman, Mine Foreman and Superintendent working for mining companies such as Liberty Fuel Company, Swisher Coal, Hiawatha Coal and ARCO Coal. After retiring from active mine management, he worked for Long Airdox selling mining machinery. He also worked for the LDS Church prior to his full retirement. Reid had strong work ethics and was a leader of men.
He was active in the community serving twice as a Helper City Councilmember. He has also served on the board for Helper's Railroad and Mining Museum and was a member of the Kiwanis Club. Reid and Lois were honored in 1999 as the Grand Marshall's of Helper's annual Christmas Light Parade.
Reid always loved cars and working on them. He restored his 1931 Ford Model A from the frame up, keeping it in top running condition. He was always able to fix just about anything. He shared his time, talents, and "tools" with many people. He thoroughly loved to "tinker."
Reid was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served in bishoprics and as a member of the Stake High Council and other leadership positions. He and his wife served two stake missions and he was a devoted home teacher.
He is preceded in death by his parents, grandson, Danny Olsen; three sisters, EllaMar, Thelma and Mabel; and three brothers, Laray, Earnest and Byron.
Reid is survived by his wife Lois (who devotedly cared for him); one daughter and three sons, Ginger L. (Ernest) Miller, Syracuse, UT, Reid "Rick" W. (Shelly), Helper, UT, Steven B. (Gail), Calgary Canada, and Alan Bill (Deanna) Delta CO; eleven grandchildren: Eric, Jared, Brian J., Jodi, Jennifer, Jayleen, Stephanie, Kyle, Tonya, Rachael, and Shandel and seventeen great-grandchildren: Carter, Jaxson, Gavin, Haylie, Riley, Madison, Mikaela, Vance, Weston, Mylee, Delanie, Adilyna, Elianna, Beckam, Kenley, John and William; and sister-in-law, Orienne Wilson, Roosevelt UT.
As our husband, dad and grandpa, we bid you farewell with love in our hearts, special memories in our minds and our testimonies that we will see you again. We will miss your sense of humor and your goodness.
Funeral service, Wednesday, July 25, 2012, 11:00 a.m., Helper LDS Stake Center, (150 Ridgeway Street) in Helper. Family will be at Mitchell Funeral Home (233 East Main Street) in Price Tuesday evening July 24, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and at the church Wednesday from 10:00 - 10:40 a.m. Interment, Mt. View Cemetery, Helper. Family and friends are welcome at Mitchell Funeral Home daily and may share memories of Reid at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net
Published in Salt Lake Tribune on July 22, 2012