Early on the morning of December 6, 2022, Oliver Don Ostler passed away peacefully at his home, with Barbara, his eternal companion of almost sixty-nine years, at his side. They shared a marvelous life together and will be united again because of Him whom we celebrate during this Christmas season.
Don was born on February 20, 1931, to Frank Leonard and Ada Jennie Holmes Ostler and was the youngest of five children. Don’s father died when he was only nine years old. His sweet mother instilled within him a desire to learn and succeed. Despite his family’s humble circumstances, his mother’s faith in him and his father’s legacy helped Don gain the confidence to achieve.
Early in life Don showed leadership and drive, always wanting to do his best. He was elected senior class president at South High. He loved playing on the high school basketball team, and although he was short, he was feisty, a quality that would manifest itself throughout his life. He was Freshman Class President at the University of Utah, where he earned his bachelor’s degree after serving in the British Isles Mission and in military intelligence during the Korean War. It was during his years at the university and on his mission that he made so many lifelong friends.
Don often said that the best decision he made was marrying Barbara Ruth Boyer in the Salt Lake Temple on December 28, 1953. Their marriage is one of great respect and love for each other. Together they have enjoyed skiing, golfing, traveling, and so much more, often with their family and friends. Barbara has shown great compassion and tender care for Don these past months as his health declined.
For the past sixty-five years, Don has been an integral part of building a world-class organization, the O. C. Tanner Company. He was the President and Chief Executive Officer for twenty-four of those years and was the Vice Chair of the board at the time of his passing. Don cared deeply about improving the work culture of Tanner’s employees and of the many thousands of employees of the clients Tanner serves. Because he gave so much of himself, he is deeply loved.
He is also loved by those he served in his various Church callings as Bishop, Stake President, and Mission President, among others. He especially treasured the opportunity to serve with Barbara in the Canada Calgary Mission (1997–2000). Don loved missionary work and provided support for many missionaries, including refugees. He led by his example and taught that we should trust in the Lord.
Don had a remarkable ability to keep balance in his life. Despite his demanding career, church callings, and community service, he was able to focus on what was most important to him: his wife and family. He is a devoted father who made time for and had a special relationship with each of his six children and twenty-seven grandchildren. He loved the tradition of the yearly vacation to Balboa Island and frequently gathered his grown children and their spouses in beautiful places around the world. He loved golf, tennis, boogie boarding, biking and skiing and had a competitive desire to win in whatever he did.
Don’s full life influenced many others for good. Despite his small stature, he was a giant who lived his life with integrity and a passionate desire to help others. His death leaves a hole for many, but his example of how to live the right kind of life inspires us to be better.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Ada; his siblings, Marian, Bill, Virginia, and Carol; daughter-in-law Ann Taylor Ostler; and great-grandson Sammy Glauser. He is survived by his eternal companion, Barbara; children: Jeffrey (Rosemarie), David (Rachelle), Richard (Sheila), Steven, Lynda (Scott Jorgensen), and Shawna (James Brown); twenty-seven grandchildren; and twenty- three great-grandchildren.
Viewings with be held on Sunday evening, December 11th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn, located at 2350 E. 1300 S., and on Monday, December 12th, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Monument Park Stake Center, located at 1320 S. Wasatch Blvd. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 p.m., followed by his interment at Larkin Sunset Lawn. For those unable to attend, services will be streamed via Zoom. Please click on the "Watch Services" link above. A free Zoom account is required and you must be logged in to your Zoom account to view.
Shawna(James), Blaire(Dillon),Malcom,Sam, Ellie and Olive. I am sending you love in this naturally hard time to say good bye to someone who has definitely left a great imprint on your lives. Keep the memories close. Cherish all the stories shared. Xoxox
He was my Stake President, set high expectations for me, sent me on my mission, and was an example and fine influence in my life. I love President Ostler.
He was a great man, much love t o sis Barbra , and the family. Till we meet again president. Love Elder Chapman.
He was a great man, much love t o sis Barbra , and the family. Till we meet again president. Love Elder Chapman.
Dear Ostler Family,
Judy and I send our thoughts and prayers to the entire Ostler family. We know he will be missed by all.
From my initial interview with Tanner leadership in June, 1981, Don’s immediate impact on my Tanner career was ever lasting.
Barbara and Don became a great inspiration and friends. We remember all of our competitions at our many Tanner sales meetings.
Don was a great leader! Don was the ultimate competitor! Don was the consummate man!
We are eternally grateful for having him in our lives for 31 years.
God Bless!
Dear Steve and family,
My sincere condolences at passing of a real gentleman and simply a good person. Like his son.
Elder Rick Green (Washington D.C. South Mission)
Shawna(James), Blaire(Dillon),Malcom,Sam, Ellie and Olive. I am sending you love in this naturally hard time to say good bye to someone who has definitely left a great imprint on your lives. Keep the memories close. Cherish all the stories shared. Xoxox
I'm so sorry for your family's loss. He is truly a great man and leader. I will always hold him in high regard and remember how great of an example he was as he was my MissionPresident. My prayers and thoughts are with your family at this time.
Dearest (Dick),
I am heartsick to learn of the passing of your most precious Father!! No one can ever replace that bond in life. If he was just 1/1 zillionth of the fabulous son that he raised, then he was practically perfect! I pray you will feel the sweet spirit that God provides to families so tenderly after a love one passes. Make time to journal all the precious memories during that time. You do forget with time! Know I will be praying and thinking of you much during this difficult time! All my love Linda Hammond Hansen
Dear Barbara we reverently rejoice with you as we contemplate a life well lived. Please know of our love for you. I would so love to be there to represent mom knowing of her deep live for you. Unfortunately, my companion is having some health challenges and will not be able to do so Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Carl and I were so sad to read of Don’s death. Although we didn't see each other often, we always considered you two our dear friends. We have many sweet memories, beginning with college days for Carl. Don was a great man, leader, family man, and friend. Sending much love and prayers to you, Barbara, and to your extended family.
Anne and Carl Erickson
I met Don and Barbara through one of their dear friend Mr Late James Langton Macfarlane. I admired their affection for each other. They’re great example in many ways. Never know that Don and Jim will left this life one after the other. My heartfelt sympathy to you my dear Barbara and your family at this time. I love you Barbara. I can imagine Don and Jim catching up on the other side of the veil like how they always call each other on the phone and checking how’s things going. ‘Ofa lahi atu.
It was an honor to attend the same ward as the Ostlers in my youth. Don always took a genuine interest in the lives of me and my brothers. I am grateful that I was able to grow up and rub shoulders with him. The Van Dyke family has been blessed by his stalwart example of discipleship. We will
miss seeing him ride his bicycle around the neighborhood. Until we meet again
-Parker Van Dyke
I will always remember President Ostler for his loving and kind direction while I served as Stake Primary president in the Monument Park Stake. He taught me effective leadership and was supportive of all of our Primary activities. I treasure my association with him.
Our sympathies from your brothers Bill family. He was a great man and raised a good family. Ada would be proud of her boy.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Osler family and the greater OC Tanner family. He was a great man who made a difference in the world and will be missed.
God bless.
John
Barbara,
I just found out about Don’s passing today. So sorry I couldn’t be there with you and your family. I lost my next younger brother Frank last year and came to know something more about those feelings of separation. We are praying that the Spirit will comfort you and grateful for the knowledge of the gospel that teaches us that separation is only temporary. Don has always been an example of goodness and service to his God and family. I will cherish his example always.