Gaylen Reed Olsen Obituary (1935 - 2016)

Gaylen Reed Olsen passed away Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at his home in Murray, Utah with his wife of 48 years by his side. He had suffered heart and lung disease for many years but had beaten the odds against him by living to be 81. He was one tough guy. He was born to Sherman Isaac Olsen and Florence Urania Paulsen on March 25, 1935 in Ephraim, Utah. He married Martha Arlene Morley when he was 17 and later divorced. They had 5 children: Randy G. (Debbie) Olsen; Suzanne Olsen Lovato (deceased); Janet P. Henry; Cheryl (Jeff) Terry; Tracy K. (Lori, deceased) Olsen. Later he had a daughter Keliane (Michael) Monk Shoosmith. He married the love of his life Anna ReNee Parsel on December 28, 1968 and together had Tyler Reed (Patti) Olsen. He was so happy when Tyler and Patti had his last grandchild, Zakary Oliver Reed Olsen. He was able to care for him from when he was a baby and play with him as he grew. He loved this little guy and was very proud of him. He is survived by his wife, 6 children; 23 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 3 siblings: Douglas Olsen, Kendall Olsen, and Linda (Tommy) Nicholls. He is preceded in death by his parents Sherman and Florence Olsen; parents-in-law Clint and Angelina Parsel; daughter Suzanne Olsen Lovato; 3 sisters and 3 brothers; Melvin Olsen; Phillis (Cecil) Cox; Doris (Keith) Miner; Devere Olsen; Gerald Olsen; and Johanna Olsen. He loved going hunting and fishing with his family; and also having family over to his home for dinner and parties. He loved his family very much. He was an extremely hard worker; working sometimes 3 jobs to support his family after his divorce or working 7 days a week starting at 5 AM which he did for years including Christmas day. He was happiest when he was working or directing work. He built a successful HVAC business from scratch to one some people called "the big outfit". Graveside services will be held Wednesday, August 31, 2016, 1:00 pm at the Herriman City Cemetery, 12465 South 6000 West Funeral Home: Jenkins-Soffe South Valley 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway South Jordan, UT