Michael Gaylen Olsen was a well-respected native son of the Redding community, a committed husband and father, a noteworthy attorney in Shasta County, and an active member of the Mormon Church. He was an exceptionally selfless and caring husband, father, grandfather, son and brother. Mike died Thursday, October 20, 2016, in Sandy, Utah.
Mike was born on April 8, 1950 in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Gaylen F. Olsen and June Rainey Olsen. The family moved to Redding and began working in the trades eventually founding Olsen Construction Company. Mike was preceded in death by both parents and his younger brother, Robert Weldon Olsen.
Mike was an accomplished student-athlete at Shasta High School where he was known for his integrity, character and compassion. After high school, he completed two years of missionary service for his church in Holland before returning home to enroll at Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah. While completing his bachelor's degree in political science at BYU, Mike met Lisa Christine Colquitt of Bethesda, Maryland. They were married in Salt Lake City on December 22, 1975. Mike studied at BYU's J. Reuben Clark Law School before he and Lisa moved to Sacramento in 1977. He was admitted to the State Bar of California in June 1978 and eagerly returned to Redding with Lisa to begin a law practice and raise their family.
Mike's greatest joy was supporting his children and grandchildren in extracurricular activities, particularly athletics, and he most enjoyed contests between Enterprise High School and his alma mater. He was an astute spectator of all variety of BYU athletics, as well as an avid fan of the San Francisco Giants and 49ers. Mike loved running during his younger years, and especially enjoyed logging miles with his longtime friends along the Sacramento River Trail.
Mike was an active and devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served for decades in the Redding, California Stake. He enjoyed family vacations and traveling. He helped support each of his children complete bachelor's degrees and took joy in visiting them as they settled in other parts of the country.
He is survived by wife Lisa Colquitt Olsen, children Jennifer Olsen Rauzon, Christian Olsen, Brianne Olsen Bigelow, and Shannon Olsen; grandchildren Lillian June, Caleb, Lincoln and Leonidas.
Funeral services will be held Friday, October 28, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at the Crescent View Ward in Sandy, Utah (10945 South 1700 East, Sandy, UT). A viewing will be held 9:30-10:45 a.m. MDT prior to services. Interment will be in Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 South), Sandy, UT.
