Craig Oliver

Craig Eugene Oliver, 72, of Pleasant Grove and beloved father, grandfather, brother, and uncle passed away Saturday, April 1, 2023 at home surrounded by his family.
He was born on August 11, 1950, to Eva Jean Bezzant Young and David Eugene Oliver in American Fork, Utah. He grew up in Orem, Utah. Throughout his life, he actively participated in sports, hunting, fishing, and camping with his family. He also enjoyed growing a garden and cooking food. Craig spent many nights dancing and instructing, his favorite dance being country western swing. He graduated from Orem High School in 1968. Following high school, he graduated from Snow College and then received his Bachelor's Degree in Education from Southern Utah University. Later, Craig became a Master Electrician. As a Master Electrician, he worked in a mine and then at Geneva Steel. Craig would work at Geneva until it closed and then be asked to complete the teardown. Craig discussed how many of his family members (grandfather, uncles, son, etc.) worked at Geneva Steel, and how hard tearing the plant down was because his grandfather had helped build it. After he retired from electrical work, Craig co-owned Tunex in American Fork with his son until he retired.
Craig married Lizetta Beck in 1975 and had 4 beloved children together: Robert, Kevin, Brittany, and Richard. Although Craig and Lizetta divorced, they were able to maintain a friendship that strengthened their family's relationships. His greatest joy was his grandchildren. The most important thing to Craig was his family. He hosted the family's annual Strawberry Days Celebration, "Craigs Reunion'' in Mayfield, Utah for the 24th of July, and the "Best Papa could afford" Otter Creek fishing trips. At these celebrations, his grandkids learned to love fishing, camping, and hunting with Papa. They also learned the rewards of dime flipping. Craig always did his best to attend his children's and grandchildren's extracurricular activities. Craig made it his mission to make every visit with his grandchildren an adventure.
In 2017, he was able to go back east to visit his favorite baseball team, the Boston Red Sox, at Fenway Park, and watch "Fight Night" between the Red Sox and Yankees. Craig was thrilled when the Red Sox won the World Series later that year. Craig was a history fanatic and was able to visit many historical sites in the area while there. When his youngest son moved to Virginia, he was able to visit historical sites such as; the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Washington memorials, several battlefields, and the Caverns of Luray. Another of Craig's lifelong dreams was achieved when he was able to visit China. Once there he was able to walk the Great Wall, see the Terra Cotta Soldiers and go to the Gumdrop Mountains.
Craig is survived by his children Robert (Jenny) Oliver, Kevin (Micki) Oliver, Brittany (Daniel) Staheli, Richard (Ashley) Oliver, and his grandchildren: Kagan, Gauge, Kaden, Aliyah, Taysin, Ashton, Lauren, Christian, Savannah, and Pemberley (Finny). He is also survived by his sister Terrie (Rick) Phipps, his Aunt LuDene Barton, and their families.
He is preceded in death by his parents: Dallas and Eva Jean Young and David Eugene Oliver, his grandparents: Vivian and Della Bezzant, and two infant grandchildren.
Our family would like to offer our deepest thanks to Dr. Grygla, the 1st floor staff of the St George Regional Hospital, Katie with Senior Compass, our Mom, Ride with Care, Health Watch Hospice -(the Lopez family) and Jessica (RN) and Olpin Family Mortuary. Your help, care, support and kindness shown to our father and family during his final weeks will always be remembered.
Memorial services will be held Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 11:00 am in the Olpin Family Mortuary Chapel, 494 South 300 East, Pleasant Grove. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com.