Ross Lee Olsen Sr.

Ross Lee Olsen, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and devoted servant of his faith and community, passed away on October 13, 2026, at the age of 84. A man of remarkable vision, determination, and generosity, Ross devoted his life to creating opportunities for others and bringing people together, leaving a lasting impression on countless lives.

Ross was born on July 9, 1942, in LaBelle, Idaho, to Vernon and Goldia Peacock Olsen. He grew up in Rigby, Idaho, attended Rigby High School, and continued his education at Brigham Young University and the University of Utah. His Idaho roots shaped the strong work ethic, independence, and determination that defined his life.

As a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ross dedicated much of his life to serving others. As a young man, he served a mission in Eastern Canada, where he was called to serve as second counselor to the mission president. Following his mission, he accepted numerous opportunities for leadership and service in the Church, including serving as a bishop, a member of a stake high council, and a youth chaplain. He approached each calling with dedication, enthusiasm, and a sincere desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

In 1965, Ross married Marjorie Cromar in the Salt Lake Temple. Over more than six decades of marriage, they raised seven children and built a family that became one of Ross’s greatest joys and proudest accomplishments. His love and devotion to Marjorie remained steadfast throughout their life together. Through the joys and challenges of raising a large family, they built a lasting legacy that includes 24 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

One of Ross’s most significant professional accomplishments was founding Youth Developmental Enterprises (YDE), an independent organization that grew from an initiative established through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Boy Scouts of America. From the early 1970s through the early 1990s, YDE gave approximately 18,000 young men the opportunity to work in the pineapple fields of Lanai, Molokai, and Maui. More than a summer job, the program combined hard work, education, leadership development, and opportunities to explore the Hawaiian Islands. Many participants experienced their first job and time away from home, gaining confidence, responsibility, and self-reliance along the way. Ross took great pride in helping young men recognize their worth and potential.

His years in Hawaii also inspired a lifelong love of the islands, their people, and their rich cultural traditions. Hawaii became a part of who he was. He cherished Hawaii’s music, traditions, and spirit of community, carrying that affection with him throughout his life.

Ross also had a lifelong love of Scouting and believed deeply in its mission to develop character, leadership, and self-reliance in young people. He served in numerous leadership roles with the Boy Scouts of America, including Scoutmaster, Den Master, and committee chairman. His commitment to Scouting reflected the same values that guided his work with Youth Developmental Enterprises: helping young people discover their potential through responsibility, adventure, and meaningful experiences. In recognition of his exceptional service to Scouting, Ross received the Silver Beaver Award, one of Scouting’s highest honors.

Ross later served as Executive Director of the Utah Cultural Celebration Center in West Valley City, where he continued his lifelong commitment to education, cultural understanding, and bringing people together. His passion for celebrating diverse traditions and creating meaningful community experiences made this role a natural extension of his interests and values.

Ross understood that service meant more than fulfilling responsibilities; it meant building relationships, strengthening families, and fostering a sense of belonging. He was especially known for organizing memorable ward activities, including elaborate luaus inspired by his love of Hawaii and his desire to bring people together. Whether planning a celebration, leading a youth program, or serving in a church calling, Ross had a remarkable ability to envision something meaningful and work tirelessly to bring it to life.

Ross was friendly, funny, and confident, with a natural ability to connect with people. He loved classical music, the familiar melodies of church hymns, and, perhaps most of all, a good story. An enthusiastic storyteller, Ross never let the facts get in the way of making a story a little more entertaining. Details might grow, circumstances might become more dramatic, and with each retelling, the story would improve—at least in Ross’s opinion. Those who knew him well understood that a story from Ross was as much about the telling as the events themselves. His humor, enthusiasm, and larger-than-life personality made him a joy to be around.

As a father, Ross often expressed his love through his actions. He worked hard, provided for his family, and demonstrated his commitment through the things he did for those he loved. As he grew older, he became more open about his feelings, making a point to tell his children how much he loved them. Those words, spoken freely in his later years, became a cherished reminder of the love that had always been there. He was immensely proud of his seven children and the families they built, and nothing meant more to him than the people he called his own.

Among Ross’s favorite Hawaiian expressions was “Nō ka ʻoi,” which he loved to explain as meaning “Be the best you can be.” More than a favorite saying, it reflected his belief in the potential of others and his lifelong encouragement to work hard, believe in oneself, and strive to become better. This philosophy was evident in his work with young people, his dedication to his faith, and the example he set for his family.

Ross is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Marjorie Cromar Olsen; their seven children, Ross (RuthAnn) Olsen, Jr., Lance (Kristi) Olsen, Steve Olsen, Shanna Watkins, Jeffrey (Jenny) Olsen, Jamie (Anne) Olsen, and Jeremy (Ashlee) Olsen; 23 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Annetta Cochran.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Goldia Olsen; his sisters, Iris Saxton, Bethaline Olsen, Elva Lue Olsen, Janet Peterson, and Beatrice Cook; his brothers, Fred Olsen and Bazil Olsen; and his daughter-in-law, Tammy Olsen.

Ross leaves behind a remarkable legacy, not simply in the organizations he built or the thousands of young men whose lives he helped shape, but also in the family he loved, the friendships he cultivated, and the countless people whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

His family will remember his confidence, his laughter, his love of raisin-filled cookies, his wonderfully embellished stories, and the determination with which he approached nearly everything he did. They will remember his generosity, his devotion to his wife and family, and the love he expressed so freely in his later years.

Ross lived with purpose, loved deeply, and gave generously of himself. And while he would undoubtedly have a story or two to add to the telling of his own life, those who knew and loved him will remember a man whose life was truly well lived.

Aloha ‘oe.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Forestview Ward, 3153 S. 900 E., Salt Lake City, Utah. A viewing will precede the services beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Interment will follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah.

A video tribute can be found online at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxRdcaDuGAc