Roy Laverl Olsen

Roy LaVerl Olsen passed away peacefully at the age of 91 in his home surrounded by family on April 23, 2018. Roy was born September 1, 1926 to Henry and Florence Olsen in Rigby, Idaho. He was one of seven children, five sons and two daughters. Roy was an identical twin. He had been preceded in death by five of his siblings; Erma, Aletha, Frank, Dale and Ray his twin. He has one living brother, Lynn.

Roy had a way of making friends everywhere he went. He made people feel comfortable developing wonderful friendships that lasted his entire life. He was always on the go. at a moment’s notice he was up for an ice cream run, a scenic drive or going fishing. He loved to play games such as Hand-and- Foot or Pinochle.

Roy had a beautiful baritone voice and enjoyed singing and preforming throughout his life. He played the trombone and drums in several dance bands throughout his life. He loved all kinds of music, especially old-time country. The Bar-J Wranglers was one of his favorite groups.

Roy graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Master’s Degree in Education Administration. He taught school at Ammon Junior High and was a principal at Fairview Elementary.  Additionally he farmed 65 acres.

Roy loved outdoor activities such as hunting, camping and horseback riding. Fishing was his greatest passion. You would often find him claiming that he caught the first, the most, or the biggest fish. He loved his family fishing trips to Alaska.

Roy was an athlete. He played basketball in high school and at BYU. He even played golf a week before his passing.

Roy was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in many callings. He served 2 ½ years as a Spanish speaking missionary in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.  Interesting his twin brother was called to the same mission and they served together the last 6 weeks of their missions.  Roy and Nancy served in the Idaho Falls Temple and went on two full time missions to Madrid, Spain and St. George, Utah.

Roy married the love of his life, Nancy Holt in the Idaho Falls Temple on August 16 ^th , 1951.  They have been married for 67 years.  They are the parents of six children, three boys and three girls.  Craig (Lori) Olsen, Farmington, Utah;  Susan (Billy) Hurst, Pocatello, Idaho; Janice (Lynden) Kunde, Iona, Idaho; Mark (Melanie) Olsen, Rigby, Idaho; Nancy (Kevin) Killpack, Idaho Falls, Idaho; Matthew (Jennifer) Olsen, Sandy, Utah .  They have 31 grandchildren and 61 great grandchildren whom they love dearly.

There will be a viewing on Friday evening, April 27, 2018 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at Eckersell Funeral Home (101 W Main St, Rigby, ID). The funeral will be held at the Rigby Stake Center (258 W 1 ^st N, Rigby, ID) at 12:00 pm Saturday, April 28, 2018. There will be a viewing from 10:30 to 11:30 am prior to the service.