In Memorium: Myron Olson

Fitting for a Labor Day, our hard working and beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, husband, and friend Myron Vivan Olson passed away September 7, 2015, in Santaquin, Utah. He was born over 95 years ago on December 20, 1919, in Santaquin, to Vivan Joseph and Ada Naomi (York) Olson, he married Ethel Virginia Walin in Chicago, Illinois, on May 11, 1946, their marriage was later solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple. Ethel passed away October 2, 2005, and he married Bonnie Joyce Clement Kay on February 12, 2011.

Myron and Ethel raised five children: Michael (Nanette) Olson, Santaquin; Karen Virginia Wilson Taylor (deceased); Deanne (Bill) VanAusdal, Phoenix, Arizona; Dan (Cauleen) Olson, Santaquin; and Scott (Sherilee) Olson, Morgan, Utah.

He loved and adored and was in return loved and adored by twenty-two grandchildren, forty-nine great-grandchildren, and one great great-grandchild.

As one of the greatest generation, Myron served in the United States Army from October 13, 1941, through December 24, 1945, in the Pacific Theater of World War II. He became a founding member of the Santaquin American Legion, was instrumental in helping to establish the Veteran’s Memorial at the Santaquin City Cemetery and in obtaining a World-War-IIera Howitzer for placement west of the entrance to what is now the Santaquin Chieftain Museum. He was honored to be Grand Marshal for the Santaquin City Celebration in 2005, and his love for farming led to his naming a procession of farm tractors for the Grand Marshal’s Choice Award.

He graduated from Payson High School in1938 and helped build the “P” on the mountain east of Payson High School.

During his youth, he worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps, and especially enjoyed sign making. He was known for his calligraphy and handwriting skills.

Myron worked as a Steelworker for Geneva Steel in Orem, loved gardening and growing fruit trees, loved the great outdoors, including hunting and fishing, and was an excellent marksman his entire life.

He helped compile and write a history of the Santaquin-Tintic Stake: “Give Me This Mountain,” and is a direct descendant of early pioneers in Santaquin, living long enough to have spoken with people who had crossed the plains and then witnessing the turbulence and wonders of the Twentieth Century and early Twenty-First Century.

He served in many capacities in the LDS Church, including Sunday school, Elders Quorum, bishopric, ward and stake clerks, stake historian, and Provo Temple ordinance worker.

He spent his life in service to others and was a friend to all. He was a kind and generous man who freely and so often shared friendship, love, and the bounties of his crops with friends and family alike.

Thank you for your service Myron, You will truly be missed!