Jaynes (Jay) Olson

On June 21, 2023, our beloved Dad, Gramps, and Grandpa Great left this earthly life after 91 years and was reunited with his sweetheart, which he has missed terribly for 18 years and 8 days – but who is counting???  Dad was!

Jaynes Wilford Olson (Jay) was born on June 5, 1932 to Theodore Wilford & Effie Jaynes Olson in Crescent, Utah.  He was the second of four children and the last surviving. Oh, how we will all miss him! He has waited so patiently (and sometimes not so patiently) to be reunited with his loved ones, especially his high school sweetheart, Lola Mae Terry.  They were married on May 28, 1952 in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity.  Together they made their home in White City and raised 5 wonderful children. 

Dad was a great example and leader, a hard worker and sometimes a man of little patience that would consequently bring out more than just “fluff” words.  Mom would scold him with a very stern “JW!! There are little ears around!” We wonder if she met him with a scolding (in our behalf)… we know he missed that stern “JW!!”  

Dad worked at Coca-Cola Swire Bottling starting as a route driver and worked his way to up to the credit manager.  He retired from Coke after 40 years in 1993.

Dad was very organized and loved his office supplies!  That trait he has passed on to a few of his children and several grandchildren too, thankfully.  We need at least one secretary to keep us all in line.  He always had the cream of the crop pens (Montblanc), notepads and calendars in all sizes.  And if you ever wondered when something happened, just wait, he’d grab his book and he could tell you exactly what happened and when… and who was there!

Dad loved to serve and instilled the valuable serving example into his children and grandchildren.  He served in the US Army from 1952 to 1954.  He also served faithfully in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Mutual Program, Sunday School, Bishopric, Bishop and as a very devoted Home Teacher.  He also served for eight years as a Family History Specialist at the Utah State Prison with his sweetheart and felt so privileged to serve the inmates there.  He grew to love and respect them, as they also did him. He always told us that he felt so safe there.  His most rewarding calling was that of a husband, father, gramps and grandpa great.   We have all been truly blessed to have had his example in our lives. Everyone of us!  We are so blessed with the memories that he has left us with, the habits and even the little treasures that we will find along our paths without him.

Dad leaves behind many broken but happy hearts…  his four surviving children: Cindy (Dean) Capson, Tracey Olson, Todd (Shontell) Olson, and Leslie Olson.  Twelve grandchildren and their spouses, 26 great grand-children. Brother-in-law, Ray (Helene) Terry, Sister-in-laws, Jean (Ken) Westover, Rosie Terry, Sondra Terry, and many nieces and nephews who he loved and adored.  Those greeting him in heaven are numerous, but standing first in line we know was his precious sweetheart (our mother) Lola Mae, and (our sister) his oldest daughter Vickie.  Oh, the reunion they are having! We hope you are taking that long-awaited walk, hand in hand with Mom.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to our youngest sister, Leslie for taking care of dad with such love and devotion for the last 18 years.  Going above and beyond and striving to always give dad the best care, even when he would be stubborn at times. You were always there giving and sacrificing and even into his final hours, although you had no idea it was his last meal, you took the time to prepare “bread and milk” (gagging all the way through the preparation) just for dad.  We are all so blessed and so grateful to you!    We know dad left here knowing just how loved he is.
 
There will be a viewing for family and friends on Friday, June 23, 2023 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Goff Mortuary, 8090 South State Street, Midvale, Utah. A graveside service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Crescent Cemetery, at 11105 South State Street, Sandy, Utah.

We would also like to thank the first responders with Sandy City and Goff Mortuary, for the delicate, professional and respectful care given to us, and especially to Dad, during this difficult time.

We love you Dad, until we meet again!