Cyril Ray Olson

Cyril Ray Olson

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July 23, 1934 - September 6, 2022

Ray passed away peacefully at the age of 88 years old in the Cottonwood Heights home he loved and shared for 52 years with his sweetheart Kathie. He was surrounded by Kathie and his three girls, Leslie, Kelly and Christie, when he passed.

Ray was born on July 23,1934 in Mount Pleasant, Utah to Bernard and Verda (Fowles) Olson and had 5 Siblings: Shirl, Dale, Lorraine, Betty and Don. He and Kathie started dating when mom was just 14 years old and were inseparable for 70 years. Mom said she fell for him because of all the rides he gave her in his cool convertible.

Dad was a lover of cars and brought cars home like some people bring home stray dogs. Some were new, and some he restored to be like new. It was one of his joys. But cars weren’t the only things Ray restored. He loved to build things and had the Midas touch for making everything better. He always had a long list of projects, and all his unique and creative touches are what made them special.

One of his many projects was our cabin in Midway. It was in really rough shape when they purchased it, but Dad had vision. Over time, with much hard work, Ray and Kathie turned it into a wonderful gathering place for our family. We shared many family get togethers there and have wonderful memories of what our family affectionally called Poopers place…one of Dad’s many nicknames. The family cabin also caused his one and only addiction (with the exception of Pepsi and Perfectionism) … and that was his addiction to pine trees. He just couldn’t help himself! We think he planted over 80 pine trees at our cabin and was always trying to give more away.

Dad built a whole workshop on the hill behind their house where he made many things like birdhouses and dollhouses that will be treasured long into the future. He was a salesman by trade and did upholstery on the side, which turned into a full-time business he ran for more than 20 years. He built Furniture Mattress Supply Company and Home Designer Fabrics like he built everything else in his life, with love and care. All his customers became lifelong friends. He often said he missed them after he sold the business and retired.

Ray played softball from the time he was a young boy with the same team of friends. They were even reunited in their older years and played in the senior games down in St. George, Utah where he and Mom had a condo.

Ray’s perfectionism was displayed in all he did. He and Kathie had a beautiful home and yard that were always immaculate and inviting. Our home was filled with love and acceptance for all who entered. It was never a place of judgement, just unconditional love. Everyone who knew Dad was a friend.

Dad lived an amazing life, and his family was everything to him. Every one of us knew that we were his favorite. His smile, his teasing, and his ability to turn anything into a game was not just a hit with his grandchildren, but with everyone he met. The fun he brought will be missed beyond measure.

He will especially be missed by our Angel Mom who tirelessly cared for him the last several months. They were truly the epitome of what devotion and true love looks like, and will be Sweethearts for eternity.

Dad, we will miss you dearly! Your influence and example have touched each one of us and is a legacy that will last beyond this lifetime! NOT Goodbye, just farewell until we meet again…

Your loving family

Ray is survived by his wife Kathleen Gray Olson, Daughter Leslie Wagstaff Wilson and Son-in-Law Kent Wilson, Daughter Kelly Alter and Son-in-Law David Alter, Daughter Christen Latham and Son-in-Law Vern Latham, 8 Grandchildren, 11 Great Grandchildren, and one on the way, Sister Betty College and Brother Don Olson.

The Family would love any who’d like to share a memory or thought to do so on the Mortuary website at www.memorialutah.com. Thanks so much for all your kindness and prayers!

Remembrance Open House Saturday Sept 10, 2022 from 12:30-1:30 at LDS Church at 2115 Creek Road, Sandy, Utah.

Graveside Service for Family and close Friends Saturday Sept 10, 2022 at 3:00pm at Memorial Mountain View Mortuary & Cemetery at 3115 East Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, Utah.