Boyd Olsen

Boyd Larson Olsen, age 88, passed away at his home on March 4, 2024, surrounded by his wife and family. He was born on March 11, 1935, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Frank and Elma Olsen.

Boyd had three siblings: Chad (Elaine) Olsen of Mount Pleasant, Judy (Wayne) Pack of Alpine, and Glade (LouAnn) Olsen of Herriman. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law Elaine Olsen, brother-in-law Wayne Pack, and grandson Scott Johnson.

Boyd graduated from Cyprus High School in Magna, Utah before serving as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the East Central States Mission. He was subsequently drafted into the United States Army and served in The Old Guard at Fort Myer in Washington D.C., where he was part of the Honor Guard and was a Tomb Guard at Arlington National Cemetery. Upon completing his military commitment, Boyd married his childhood sweetheart, Claudia May Taylor, in the Salt Lake Temple on April 8, 1960. Much of Boyd and Claudia's courtship was spent at the old S&M Roller Rink on Redwood Road in Granger, Utah.

Together they raised 6 children: Debbie (Kevin) Johnson, Randy (Vicki) Olsen, Tammy (Jeff) Wallace, Mike (Amy) Olsen, Traci (Val) Stevens, and Katy (Dan) Cockerham. They have 24 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

He attended the University of Utah where he studied engineering. After obtaining his education, Boyd co-founded an engineering firm and then spent most of his career as an HVAC Engineer at Climate Control Inc, and at Schoppe Company. He later worked as an OSHA Inspector for the State of Utah until he retired.

Boyd had many interests and talents. After purchasing a small home in Granger, Utah he built on multiple additions to accommodate his growing family. Boyd did most of the work himself including the design, cement work, framing, plumbing, electrical, roofing, landscaping, and finish work. He taught his children to work and play. He loved camping and would spend a couple of weeks, most summers, at Blue Lake in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest with his family.

He was an avid photographer, especially in his younger years. He was interested in firearms and excelled on both the rifle and pistol teams while in the military and enjoyed target shooting with his friend Larry Herbert until his health would no longer permit it. Boyd loved playing chess on Sundays with his granddaughter, Paula Johnson.

Boyd was dedicated to the Lord and served in many positions in the church. He served for many years as a Scoutmaster and touched the lives of many young people. Most of his scouts attained the rank of Eagle. He was a recipient of the District Award of Merit for his work with the Boy Scouts. He also served as a Stake Sunday School President, Bishop's Counselor, Bishop, and, with Claudia, as Emergency Preparedness Coordinators, and as Ordinance Workers at the Jordan River Temple. They loved the temple and served there for several years.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at 10:00am at the Granger Ward Chapel located at 2850 W 3835 S, West Valley City, Utah. Viewings will be held on Tuesday, March 12, from 6:00 - 8:00pm at the McDougal Funeral Home located at 4330 S. Redwood Rd, Taylorsville, Utah, and at the chapel one hour prior to the funeral services.