William Russell Olsen

Obituary for William R. Olsen

October 27, 1963 - May 26, 2025

Las Vegas- Service: Saturday, June 7, 2025; 2:00 PM at the church located at 7670 S. Bruce St. Las Vegas, NV 89123

William R. Olsen, a beloved husband, loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 26, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Bill was born on October 27, 1963. The family resided in a small town nestled near the entrance of Yellowstone National Park. His family made frequent trips to the park, which sparked his lifelong love for the outdoors and America's National Parks-a passion that would stay with him throughout his life. His childhood was spent in the close-knit community of Washington, Utah, where he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, scouting, playing football, wrestling, and many more adventures. He graduated from Dixie High School in 1981.

A man of deep faith, Bill served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Austria, sharing his testimony and love for God. Upon returning home, while attending Dixie College, he met Diana. They married in August of 1985. After graduating from Dixie, Bill continued his education at DeVry Institute of Technology in Arizona, where he earned his degree and graduated top of his class enabling him to receive many job offers.

Bill then began his long and dedicated career with Nevada Power, later NV Energy, in Las Vegas. For nearly 37 years, he worked with integrity and purpose, forming lifelong friendships and mentoring others along the way. Because of his photographic memory, he could pull off any presentation without breaking a sweat. He handled any catastrophe or problem with calm patience and precision, which made him an amazing boss and leader.

Bill was truly a Renaissance man. An Eagle Scout and scout leader, a black belt in Taekwondo, an amateur astronomer, and a gifted photographer-Bill approached life with curiosity, discipline, and joy. Whether capturing the grandeur of a solar eclipse, exploring a new trail, or striving to visit every U.S. National Park (he had just a few left), Bill lived with a sense of adventure and wonder.

A true lifelong learner. Bill had a deep love for science and was given the keys to the science building at Dixie College-testament to both his enthusiasm and responsibility. He devoured books, adored technology and new inventions, followed Kickstarter campaigns with zeal, and never stopped learning. He loved music, sang along to every song-especially anything by Journey-and performed in musicals and plays from childhood through high school. He enjoyed sharing his love of music with others.

Bill was a toastmaster and award-winning public speaker, a natural communicator with a talent for inspiring and connecting with others. He also had a playful side-whether playing board games or video games, he brought fun and enthusiasm to every gathering. His laughter was contagious.

At home, Bill was known for his love of cooking and for being the family "foodie." He watched endless cooking shows, much to the amusement of his family, who lovingly teased him about how many dishes he could dirty in a single meal and how long it took him to prepare them. But every dish was made with care and shared with joy.

Bill was a man of deep spirituality and unwavering faith. His love of God guided every aspect of his life. He found profound joy in the simple beauty of the world around him-especially through the lens of a camera. A gifted photographer, Bill spent countless hours capturing the grandeur of nature along with numerous pictures of his family.

Above all, Bill loved his family. He was a devoted husband, a proud and engaged father, and a loving grandfather. He poured his energy into making memories, sharing knowledge, and showing unconditional love. Time spent with his family-around a campfire, on a trail, playing games, cooking a meal, or watching the stars-was his greatest joy.

Bill's life was a shining example of faith, perseverance, and boundless curiosity. He believed in working hard, learning constantly, loving deeply, and never giving up. If something needed to be done-whether for work, family, or fun-there was little he couldn't master. If Bill set his mind to something he achieved it with quiet confidence and determined grace.

He is survived by his beloved wife Diana, his children, grandchildren and siblings, who will carry his memory forward.

In honor of Bill, the family encourages donations to the National Park Foundation or local cancer research organizations. Better yet, take a hike, gaze at the stars, cook a new recipe, sing a favorite song, or visit a National Park-just as Bill would have done.

"Don't Stop Believin'." - Journey