Darien Lee Olsen

Darien Lee Olsen, 89, of Westlake Village, CA, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 6, 1937, in Alva, OK, to Hugo and Hattie Olsen. Darien lived a long, fulfilling life, devoted to family, community, and the values he held dear. Darien was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Sandra Olsen, for 35 years, and a loving father to his daughters, Dawn Olsen and Debra Dilzer, his stepdaughter, Deborah Jurida, and his stepson, Michael Naddour. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him particular joy, and he took delight in watching each generation grow. Family gatherings and holidays -- where stories were shared around the table, songs were sung, and toasts were made -- were moments that he greatly treasured.

As a child, Darien lived in Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico. His family settled in California, and he graduated from Santa Monica High School, where he played the trombone in the marching band and enjoyed his time in the Boy Scouts of America. He became a project engineer and worked for GTE (Verizon) for 25 years. In his early adulthood, he was a member of the GTE Pioneers and the Atom Club, was in a bowling league, and played volleyball. Later, he developed an interest in boating and was actively involved in the Westlake Yacht Club.

Darien loved music and played the piano and guitar. He enjoyed travel, sports, and reading the newspaper. Darien had a gift of making people feel welcomed and valued. Many will remember the stories and wisdom he shared, and the laughter that seemed to follow wherever he went. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Darien was preceded in death by his parents, Hugo and Hattie, and his brothers Jere and Royce. He is survived by his wife, Sandra, and his children, Dawn, Debra, Deborah, and Michael, and his grandchildren, Heather, Jessica, Darianne, Delaney, Christopher, and William, and his great-grandchildren, Bailey, Loren, and Jillian, and his great-great-granddaughter, Adelina.

The family would like to thank the staff at Los Robles Medical Center in Thousand Oaks for their compassionate care during his last days, and to Heather Williams, his granddaughter, an ICU nurse, for coming from Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center in Houston to help with his care.

A funeral service will be held at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a charitable donation in Darien’s memory to First Congregational Church of Los Angeles, www.fccla.org/give.