Larry R. Olson's Obituary
Larry R Olson, 84, passed away in Tucson Arizona at the home of his daughter, Lori — after a
valiant battle with cancer. Larry was an active member of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-
Day Saints. He served his Savior in many callings throughout his life. He loved serving people—
from helping others with their cars to sharing whatever was needed. In cold weather if you came
without a coat, he would take you to his coat closet to pick one out. No one left without a coat.
Grandchildren were treated to a hat from grandpa’s collection. Whether it was a gift of a coat, a
hat, or a tiny poodle from his pocket, he was generous.
With a ready smile, he was always ready to shake your hand and welcome you to church, his
home, or anywhere he was. Larry served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day
Saints in California, Mexico, and Arizona. He loved the Spanish language and Hispanic people.
Throughout his life, he enjoyed speaking the “language of heaven,” as he called it.
On February 16, 1962 he married his sweetheart Nancy in the Logan Temple of The Church Of
Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints for time, and all eternity. He asked her father for permission.
He was granted permission after he promised 10 cows in return (my dad had a sense of humor
too). They were married for 62 years and look forward to an eternity together. On their 60th
anniversary, he gave her a three ring set with this engraved: “I loved you then, I love you still, I
always have, I always will.”
Larry wore many hats in different fields in his life—tires, small-engine repair, sales, and lastly
college teacher. At age 52, he decided to go to Boise State University where he earned a
bachelor degree in Spanish with a minor in business. Then he went on to earn an MBA in global
business. After his MBA, he taught at several career colleges, focusing on business and
accounting, then retired after teaching at the University of Ottawa. His students loved him and
enjoyed his sense of humor. He made learning fun and even sprinkled in some Spanish.
His greatest assignment on earth was his family. He loved his three daughters and son, and they
loved him. He always told them they could do anything they wanted, if they worked hard. He
loved his grandchildren so much. When he was no longer able to go visit, he asked Nancy to tell
him all about what they were doing and how they were as he would point to each picture. He
took great pleasure whenever visiting with his grandchildren. He laughed and joked and
treasured each visit. He will be missed by all!
Larry is the dearly loved husband of Nancy Olson and cherished father of his children. Lori
Olson (Delwin Johnson) of Tucson, Kristin (Brent Stevens) of Whidbey Island, Washington,
Lance Olson (Suzanne Peterson) of Tooele, Utah, and Natali (Gary Gibson) of Boise, Idaho. and
the much loved grandpa of 19 grandchildren. Larry is survived by a brother, DeeRay Olson and a sister, Loya Olson.
¡Te amamos, papi! Siempre te extrañamos. ¡Vaya con Diós y nos cuides!
Funeral services will be held on February 24, 2024, 11:00 am, in the Goddard Chapel, 8620 W.
Goddard Rd., Boise.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a cancer research organization or a food bank of your choice.
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