Clair Boyd Olsen, 92, died peacefully in his sleep May 29, 2014 at his home in Salt Lake City. He was a man of great integrity. Being a child of the depression, Boyd had a strong work ethic and good common sense. He will be remembered for his independent spirit, his wisdom, his delicious food, his care for others, and his beautiful flower gardens.
The son of Dan and Lucille Olsen, Boyd was born on February 12, 1922, in Brigham City, UT. During WWII he served his country in the European Theatre as a B-17 pilot, flying 35 successful missions. When he came home, Boyd married his sweetheart Marian Sander on April 27, 1945 in the Salt Lake Temple. After 52 happy years she preceded him in death.
Boyd graduated with a BS from Utah State University in 1949, going on to complete a Masters Degree in Bacterial Physiology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1951. After graduation, he accepted employment at Dugway Proving Ground as a microbiologist, being given progressively more responsibility until he retired with the grade of GS-16 as Director of Test Operations. At that time he was the highest rated GS employee and the second highest civilian employee at Dugway Proving Ground.
He was the cherished father of 5 children, Taunya Martin of Sandy, UT (Jim Martin), Debra Turner of Raleigh, NC (John Turner), Chad Olsen of Salt Lake City, UT (Rose Mary Olsen), Terrell Frazier of Seal Beach, CA (Lincoln Frazier), and Heidi Elton of Summit, NJ (Chester Elton). He was adored by his 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren who affectionately called him "Peanut." In 2000 Boyd married Shirley Gerrard of West Valley City. She was his loving companion through the end of his life.
Preceding him in death were his wife Marian, brother, ‘K' Olsen, and sister, Gwen Bailey. He is survived by his sister, Madge Weis of Danville, CA and brother, D.A. Olsen (Barbara Olsen) of Brigham City, UT.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 7, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. in the Brighton 4th Ward Chapel, 2301 E. Bengal Blvd. (7600 South), Salt Lake City, UT. Friends may call at the ward house Friday, June 6, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and from 10:00 to 11:15 a.m. Saturday preceding the funeral. Interment will follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy, UT. Online condolences: www.larkincares.com
