(February 9, 1937 – February 11, 2015)
R. Dee Olson, 78, passed away peacefully with family and friends by his side on Wednesday, February 11, 2015, in St. George, Utah. The oldest of four children he was born in Rigby, Idaho, on February 9, 1937, to Ronald W Olson and Mavis Jean Jones.
Dee grew up in the Idaho Falls area, graduating from Bonneville High School in 1955, then serving his country by joining the U.S. Air Force from 1955–1959.
Dee had a successful 50-year truck driving career, traveling millions of miles without an incident.
He married JoAn McFate Autry on July 17, 2010. They spent their short loving time together living in Idaho Falls, Idaho, in the summer, spending their winters in Saint George, Utah. He is survived by his wife, mother, Brothers Vaughn (Susan) Olson and Monte (Mary) Olson. Dee had four children from a previous marriage to Kay Martin Griffin, which he is also survived by; daughter Sheila Jones, Rich (Sherrie) Olson, Shane Olson, Chad (Ronda) Moore and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; too damn many to list.
Dee was preceded in death by his father and younger brother Stewart Olson.
“Farewell my friend. It was beautiful as long as it lasted, the journey of my life. I have no regrets what so ever; save the pain I’ll leave behind. Those dear hearts who love and care … and the strings pulling at my heart and soul … the strong arms that held me up when my own strength let me down. At every turning of my life I came across good friends, friends who stood by me, even when the time raced me by. Farewell, farewell my friends, I smile and bid you goodbye. No, shed no tears for I need them not, all I need is your smile. If you feel sad, do think of me as for that is what I’ll like when you live in the hearts of those you love, remember, then you never die.” (Gitanjali Ghei)
The family wishes to thank ALL of the staff at Dixie Regional Hospital the care of which we have never seen before, Will of the U of U Dialysis Center for his true compassion and caring, and the great people of Hospice that made Dee’s transition bearable and peaceful.
Funeral Services
- Funeral services will be Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 1 p.m. at the Hurricane LDS Chapel 6th Ward, 677 South 700 West, Hurricane, Utah.
- A viewing will be held Tuesday, at 11:30 a.m. prior to services at the chapel.
- Graveside services will be held Thursday, Feb. 19 at 1 p.m. at Fielding Memorial Cemetery in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
Arrangements have been made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, St. George, 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to sign his online guestbook at Spilsbury Mortuary website.