1954 ~ 2014
Eric Christian Olson was born May 20, 1954, in Oakland, California, to Heber Ross Olson and Joyce Whiting Olson. He passed away February 5, 2014, from the effects of leukemia. Eric grew up in Tempe, Arizona. He served a mission for the LDS Church in Hermosillo, Mexico, from 1973-1975. Eric graduated from Brigham Young University in 1977 with a degree in English. He received a law degree from the University of Virginia in 1980. Eric commenced the practice of law in Louisville, Kentucky, with the law firm of Greenebaum, Doll & McDonald 1980 to 1983. He practiced law in Salt Lake City, Utah, with VanCott Bagley from 1983 to 1998, and with Kirton McConkie from 1998 until taking medical leave in 2013.
Eric married MaryLynn Clark in 1976 in the Provo Temple. They have six children: Brent (Gina), Christina (Seydina), Gregory (Michelle), Matthew (Mayu), Stephen and Michael. They have six grandchildren: Anna, Donovan, Christian, Dempsey, Everett and Estelle.
Eric held many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but his first calling was the one he felt was the most important: home teacher. From 2004 to 2009, Eric was Bishop of the Winder 6th Ward, Winder Stake. Eric had a lifelong love of history, particularly of the American West and the LDS Church. He loved nature and enjoyed hiking and backpacking, especially in the canyon country of Utah.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Winder Stake Center, 4366 S. 1500 E. A viewing will be held on Friday evening, February 7, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Winder Stake Center and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 prior to the service. Internment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Fund.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Deseret News from Feb. 6 to Feb. 7, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Eric Olson

Sponsored by Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary.

20 Entries

Larry Stephenson

October 5, 2014

I just discovered Eric's passing. What a loss. Eric and I were mission companions 40 years ago, and more recently "hiking buddies". He and I hiked the Red Mountain Trail in St. George just before he discovered he had cancer. Thanks for the memories.

Thom Propson

May 15, 2014

I knew Eric through the American Bar Association and was later lucky enough to be a client of his. He was a first-rate attorney and a better person. His warmth, intelligence, faith, and generous spirit came through in every interaction with him and it was always evident that his family and faith were his two great joys in life. My prayers and sympathies to all who are diminished by his loss.

Jim Bond

February 14, 2014

Eric brought great passion to everything that he did. He was a man of great faith, full of curiosity and energy. He loved his family deeply.
He will be long remembered and missed.

Phil Johnson

February 12, 2014

Eric's presence was felt by all who knew him. I will always remember our daily pre and post swim talks. You never knew what thoughts were bubbling within. He was an original and will be deeply missed!

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February 9, 2014

When the Scott family moved to Salt Lake in 1987, Eric was one of the first people to welcome us to the neighborhood. What a fantastic man. We will miss him. Love you, Dana

Keith Andrus

February 9, 2014

Eric was a fabulous Sunday school teacher in the sixth ward and I always looked forward to attending. Thank you Eric for efforts and sharing your great knowledge of the Gospel

Curtis and Nancy Veit

February 9, 2014

Eric is irreplaceable. But he leaves behind children that have his wit, intellect and love of the Lord. Our hearts are with you, MaryLynn.

sarah farmer

February 7, 2014

The world has lost a great man. My heart is with your entire family! I love you, MaryLynn.

James McClelland

February 7, 2014

Love you always Bishop Olson your strength & wisdom will always shine bright like the guiding light.

God Bless

John Reed

February 7, 2014

I graduated from UVA School of Law in 1974 and recruited Eric to Greenebaum, Doll & McDonald upon his graduation six years later. Eric was a great addition to our business litigation team. It was immediately apparent that he and MaryLynn were terrific parents raising a beautiful family. Nancy and I offered our condolences to MaryLynn and the rest of the Olson family and our prayers for Eric and all who love him.

Harold Obray

February 7, 2014

We send our condolences to the Olson Family. Eric is one of the very best Bishop's that I have ever known, truly inspired by God.
Love Harold and Judith Obray

Ron Priddis

February 7, 2014

Eric always had his finger on the scale in favor of inclusion, honesty, and fairness ... and he loved the details of history and a good anecdote about the local power structure. This is a real loss for the community. So sorry, MaryLynn.

February 7, 2014

Olson family, We are so sorry for your loss.
We will remember Eric cooking the pancake breakfasts outside on the griddle in the Springtime at your house. They were so much fun.

May Jesus surround you all with his love during this time hard time.

Our condolences,
Dave & Shelley Beacco and family

February 6, 2014

Bishop Dean M. Davies (formerly President Davies of the PRSJM when Greg served there)and I add our thoughts and prayers for your family. Greg (a great reflection of his wonderful parents)has been kind to keep us posted during this tender time via Facebook. May the peace and comfort that only our loving Heavenly Father can give be yours.

With love,
Bishop and Sister Davies (Darla)

Brianne Fallis

February 6, 2014

I worked with Eric at Kirton McConkie. He was a brilliant, hard working attorney. He was always so appreciative of any and all help I gave him. I am sad to hear of his passing and can't imagine how difficult this must be for your family. Your family has handled this situation with such faith and it is so admirable. My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time. May the memories you have made sustain you until you are together again.

Mindy Maddox

February 6, 2014

MaryLynn, Our Edgemont friends group collectively put our arms around you. We were just together admiring you and Eric for your bravery in the struggle. We love you both and always will be there with loving arms of friendship and comfort.

February 6, 2014

Eric amazed me with his historical knowledge of Southern Utah. He knew how I loved my birth place St. George. He spoke to me about my grandfather Edward H. Snow, which elicited a comment from me that his biography had been published recently. A few weeks later while he was still trying to recover from Cancer he called me on the phone to express his pleasure of finding the book and reading it. He was certainly an avid reader, a very compassionate person and a most thoughtful nephew. May the Holy Ghost wrap His arms of comfort around you Mary Lynn and Family. Love Aunt Alma

Jim Ekins

February 6, 2014

Eric was, and is, a bright and gracious being. May his body rest in peace, and may his spirit remain anxiously engaged in good causes, the same as was his daily endeavor in this estate. It seems like only yesterday when we would enjoy spending time with MaryLynn and Eric while in Charlottesville, Virginia. It is a cliche to say that he is now in a better place. He is indeed now in a better place, but because he has made heaven better, by being there.

February 6, 2014

Very sorry to hear about your brother. He had a great life. Flo Hyland

Doug Wilkinson

February 6, 2014

I had the pleasure of working with Eric. He was our legal council, a respected individual with a passion for life. We would discuss legal items but more importantly we would take the time to talk about our families, swimming, hiking during our busy schedules. I missed these discussion during his 2013 Medical leave and will miss Eric. He was a good man!!

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