Name: Viewing for Thomas Wilson Olson
Start: 2021-03-17T23:00:00.000Z
End: 2021-03-18T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Spilsbury Mortuary - St. George

Thomas Wilson Olson

St George - Thomas Wilson Olson passed away on March 14, 2021 in St George, Utah at the age of 82. He was born on January 19, 1939, in Santaquin, Utah, one of three children born to Roy Victor and Vera Wilson Olson. He spent his early education in Santaquin and graduated from Payson High School in 1957. He played football at Snow College in1958-59 and graduated with a BS degree from Brigham Young University in 1966. He was passionate about all things BYU especially football. He enjoyed teaching biology and horticulture at Carbon High School for 33 years. He took many students to science fairs throughout the United States. His field trips were interesting and educational. He joined the Army Reserve right after high school serving for seven years. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served an LDS Mission in the New England States Mission. He married Joy Dial on November 24, 1961 in the Manti Temple. They were blessed with six children and spend 59 years together.

Most of their married life was spent in Price, but retirement allowed for several golden years in St. George where they enjoyed the warmer climate. Various Church callings included Priesthood Quorum Presidents, Bishop, High Councilor, and he taught a variety of church classes. He and his wife served as support missionaries to the Colorado Springs Mission in 2012-13. He loved to travel and especially treasured the time spent in the Holy Land walking where Jesus walked. He loved his family and cherished all the discussions, outings, parties, and reunions especially those one-on-one teaching moments with his children. He was given many work-related responsibilities when he was young, and his work ethic was ever present throughout his life. He valued his spiritual life in the church, the scriptures, and attending the temple. He would swim 100 miles each year for approximately 20 years. He loved playing cards and board games especially Acquire. He enjoyed reading about history and Louie Lamour novels. He valued staying current with the daily news, hunting and fishing with his family, traveling, a fun round of golf, and gardening. He never missed an opportunity to help others with landscaping ideas, always anxiously engaged in the education process. His love for all kind of plants, trees, scrubs, and grasses was evident in his own yard along with those of his children, friends, and neighbors.

He is survived by his wife, Joy, St. George; children, Pauli (Steve) Young, South Jordon; Jonna (Tony) Anderson, Apache Junction, Arizona; Darin (Judy) Olson, Helper; (Mike) Camille Olson, Holladay, Utah; Ryan (Heather) Olson, West Jordon; 14 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter (Amy), brother (Jack) and sister (Kathryn).

A viewing will be held Wednesday, March 17, 2021 from 5:00 -7:00 pm at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff Street, St. George, Utah and a Graveside Service will be held Thursday, March 18, 2021, 1:00 pm at Santaquin City Cemetery, Santaquin, Utah.

The family expresses sincere thanks to all who have supported them through this difficult time.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St., St. George, Utah, (435) 673-2454. Friends and family are invited to sign his online guestbook at www.spilsburymortuary.com

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

Published by Spectrum & Daily News from Mar. 16 to Mar. 17, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Olson

Sponsored by Spilsbury Mortuary - St. George.

4 Entries

Eric Hanson

March 22, 2021

Tom was my high school Biology and AP Biology teacher and I was also one of his lab assistants my Junior year. He was an excellent teacher and made a difference to me and my siblings who had a chance to be his students, giving us the opportunity to be involved in science fairs and symposiums that were instrumental in our later successes. All of us have been involved in health-related fields as careers. I know for certain he influenced us and his teaching was directly related to career choice. One quote he had on the wall in his classroom in 1985 was by B.J. Neblett "We are the sum total of our experiences." He probably had other quotes, but that is the one I remember, and being in his class gave me experiences that led to many more. He took me and at least one of my brothers under his wing and helped us succeed in the local and regional science fairs.
I suspect many other students felt as I did.
I've had the opportunity to see Tom and Joy over the past several years on a fairly regular basis and they always asked me about my parents and siblings. What kind people they are! I will always remember and be grateful for the good Mr. Olsen had on me during my teen years. God bless you

David Walton

March 18, 2021

Olson Family. So sorry to hear of the passing of your husband, father and grandfather. He was one of the best and most influential teachers I had through all of my educational experience. I loved his classes and field trips. So grateful for my association with your family. Please know of our condolences.
David and Kathy Walton

Ron and Rose Adamson

March 17, 2021

Best neighbor, great friend, BYU blue through and through, always willing to help, how much we will miss you, love you. Joy, we will always be just across the street. Love,