William K Olson

1926 ~ 2010

Bill Olson, a good friend, father, grandfather and husband died peacefully in his home in Salt Lake Monday, September 13, surrounded by his family.

Bill was born in Price, UT to C.A. “Slim” and Katherine Olson on March 31, 1926. He spent his youth in Price, leaving to join the army in 1944, where he served for 16 months as a PFC at various bases throughout the United States as WWII drew to a close. Upon his return to Utah, he began working for his father’s business, Slim Olson Inc., based in Bountiful, UT. The young Bill Olson acted primarily as his father’s pilot, logging in more than 3000 flight hours traveling among their various gas stations throughout Utah and Nevada.

On November 19, 1954, Bill married Barbara Wolfley. They were married for 49 years, raising three children together and enjoying time golfing and socializing with family and friends in Salt Lake and in their winter home in Palm Springs. Following Barbara’s death in 2004, Bill married Joann Cheney, whose love and companionship he has enjoyed for the past five years.

Throughout his long life, Bill relentlessly pursued his love of the game of golf. He joined Oakridge Country Club in 1955 as a Charter Member. In 1970, he and Barbara joined the Salt Lake Country Club. At both clubs, he gained and nurtured life-long friendships as he painstakingly endeavored to learn the secret of the golf swing, something he claims to have eluded him his entire life.

Bill Olson was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, and by his parents. He is survived by his wife Joann Olson, a daughter, Maretta (Hans Volt) Vance of Palm Springs, CA, sons Keith (Clare) and Doug (Tristen), and eight grandchildren, Jamie, Max, Samantha, Christian, Ian, Daniel, William and Jonathan. He was also fortunate to have, for the last several months of his life, the loving care of Josh Varney, whose attention allowed him to stay in his own home and continue to enjoy, if not golf, his other passion – going out to dinner and having a glass of wine with friends.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday September 16th at 2:00 PM at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S Highland Drive in Salt Lake City. Friends may join the family prior to services at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary beginning at 12:30 PM.