Ronald Reed Ollis passed away peacefully Christmas morning, December 25, 2024, in Taylorsville, Utah while surrounded by his loving family and with his hand held by the love of his life, Brooke. He was a truly amazing man with a big heart and will be sorely missed.
Ron was born on January 30, 1935, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Roy George Ollis and Belle May Reed. His family moved to Sugarhouse for a time before returning to Holladay. Ron told many stories of his youth, including how he and his friends would ride sleds down the hills of Holladay whenever it snowed—often crashing into fences because they couldn’t stop easily from going so fast. He worked various jobs in his younger years, including as a paperboy in Sugarhouse and shoveling coal to earn money for college. Ron had graduated from Granite High School, Class of 1953.
He very much loved his brother Keith, who was six years older. When Ron was 16, Keith’s plane went missing somewhere over Alaska on its way to the Korean War. His aircraft has never been found and they both have been reunited again after nearly 75 years apart.
Ron was the last survivor of the first three missionaries called by President David O. McKay to serve in Hong Kong for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They traveled to Hong Kong by boat for 19 days along with Apostle Joseph Fielding Smith, who was opening the Southern Far East mission. During that time, Smith stated that three missionaries were not enough for all of Hong Kong, so he pointed out five other missionaries on the boat to serve in Hong Kong instead of Japan. Ron served in Hong Kong from July 1955 to August 1958, later returning to Hong Kong with Brooke in 1996 for the dedication of the Hong Kong temple. He was amazed at how much had changed in the nearly 40 years since he was last there.
He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism from the University of Utah, and was a big fan of the Utes, including the Red Rocks gymnastics team. During meets, he had a press pass and took photos for his friend Ken’s gymnastics newsletter, where the gymnasts would often purchase prints from him.
He worked in Public Relations at the Salt Lake Community College and then at the Utah Division of Water Resources within the Department of Natural Resources. During his time at Water Resources, he spoke with Terry Tempest Williams, who wrote in her 1991 book Refuge, “Ron Ollis is sharp. I like him.” He framed this quote and hung it on his door at work.
Ron met Brooke on her 22nd birthday at a dance in September 1970. They were engaged on Christmas Eve 1970 at Temple Square and then married on April 1, 1971, in the Salt Lake Temple. They had an eternal love for each other and spent 53 years together, which still wasn’t enough.
He had a big love of nature and a passion for fly fishing. He was an amazing photographer, particularly working in black and white, developing the film and prints himself. He played in the Fastpitch Softball Metro League as a catcher and often hit two homeruns a game. He started running at the age of 45, having a great time and completed three marathons. He loved the Indiana Jones movies, which brought out his infectious laugh. He was an avid golfer, finally accomplishing a life goal of getting a hole-in-one at Old Mill Golf Course in his 70s. Retirement allowed him more time for the things he loved to do, including many fishing trips to Strawberry Reservoir and attending his grandkids' activities. His favorite sports team (besides the teams his grandkids were on) is the Boston Red Sox, and he was ecstatic that he lived long enough to see them win the World Series in 2004, breaking the 86-year curse.
Ron had excellent ping-pong skills, which he utilized later in life when he and Brooke enthusiastically played pickleball three times a week, even at the age of 85. Once a month after pickleball, the players would feed the homeless at the Catholic Charities.
Ron was lovingly cared for by his amazing wife, Brooke, during the last years of his life.
Preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Belle, and his brother Keith. Survived by his wife Brooke, his eight children, Ron Ollis Jr, Greg (Dolly) Ollis, Tom (Leslie) Ollis, Caron (Ronnie) Barnes, Jennie Brown, Jason (Camille) Ollis, Dustin (April) Ollis, and Dirk (Jeffrey Kyle) Ollis, his 17 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.
A viewing will be held Friday, January 3, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Taylorsville 1st Ward, 4845 South 1365 West. Funeral services will be Saturday, January 4th, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the same chapel; there will be a viewing one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place at Memorial Holladay Cemetery following the service, 4900 South Memory Lane (about 1990 East). The family would like to thank The Carriage Establishment and the Utah Pipe Band for the planned grand send-off at the burial site.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to organizations involved in the fight against dementia. Also, take a few moments to call your loved ones. And take your kids for strawberry ice cream, his favorite flavor, and enjoy a Cherry Coke Zero, his favorite drink.
Click on the Watch Service button above to view the recorded service.
Guestbook/Condolences
Love ya dad. See you soon. I hope the reunion with Keith your mom and dad and all those in Hong Kong was a good one for you. I’m at peace now. Thanks. Good running with you 😊
Brooke and family our deepest condolences. We always enjoyed playing pickleball with you and Ron. May Ron rest in peace.
Steven and Shirley Sasaki
Dear Brooke and family,
What an amazing man Ron is, and what a beautiful life you built together. I'll be with you in spirit as you remember him, my friend.
JONATHAN STEVENS: Dustin, Janelle and I are deeply sorry for the loss of your father. I hope your memories of him will bring you comfort and peace. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
SUSAN NEFF: Dear Dustin, sending you much love wishes of comfort as your family goes through this difficult time. Thank you for sharing his obituary so we could learn about what a wonderful person he was. You are very lucky to have had someone so special in your life.
CELINE FAUPULA: Dustin, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I can’t imagine what you’re going through right now, but please know that my thoughts are with you and your family at this time. If there’s anything you need or if I can support you in any way, please don't hesitate to reach out.
SARITHA KALVA: Dustin, your father was an extraordinary man who lived life to the fullest and left a lasting impact on all who knew him. His commitment to the community was evident in his monthly efforts to feed the homeless, a testament to his compassion and spirit. An avid golfer, runner, pickelball player, his determination and zest for life were truly inspiring. Our deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. May you all find the courage to support each other and your Mom as you celebrate his legacy.
SONIA CHEN: Dear Dustin, Kall and I are very sorry for you lost such an amazing father, a true model in your family. I am sure he was very proud of you as being one of his sons, and I am sure the twins will miss their dear grandpa. It is never easy to loss someone so close on the Christmas day; but it will also make the day that much more memorable to celebrate your late father!
To Ron's family Met Ron thru Pickleball He was so fun Had lots of marks from his wicked backhand Then lunch with Ron and Brooke at the Senior Center. Precious memories Wonderful and special person and the smell of coconut Sincere condolences
Brooke. So sorry for the loss of your husband, Ron. He sounds like an amazing man. My prayers of comfort are with you and your family.
My condolences to Ron's family. I didn't see his obituary until this afternoon (Sat.) or I would have come to the viewing.
I knew Ron some 55 years ago when he was an Explorer advisor in the Valley View 8th ward where I was about 16 years old. So these details may be a bit hazy, but this experience changed my life.
We took a two or three day float trip down the San Juan River through the Goosenecks.. We camped one day at the mouth of Grand Gulch and hiked up a ways. It was just Ron and I and another adult leader. Not too far in we came across some Native American potshards in a canyon wall alcove. Ron knew just where to look. This was the first time I had seen anything like this and I'll never forget how sensitive and respectful Ron was about the place. You didn't touch anything and you didn't take any souvenirs! I felt like l was on sacred ground.
Since that time, I have hiked and explored in every county in Utah and love to learn about the history of the peoples that have been here before. My kids and grandkids share my passion. We've seen rock art and artifacts in more locations than I can count.
Every time we do, I'm reminded of that special experience with Ron Ollis.
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Ron & Brook were my neighbors growing up. I remember there always being a fun & friendly rivalry between Ron and my father, Thale. The two of them were both very competiive at golf and tennis and were always making fun jabs at each other when one of them were to beat the other. My parents really loved Ron and his great enthusiasm for life. My husband and I appreciated Ron taking our wedding photos on the SLC Temple grounds in 1980. I then moved away from Utah and returned again in 2010. It's been years since I have had this fine family as a neighbor. When I visited my parents, I often chatted with them in their yard and at church. Ten days before Ron's passing, I stopped by the Ollis home to visit with a treat. Ron was sitting in the kitchen and he greeted me with a warm smile and sparkle in his eyes. I believe he even told a joke! I am grateful I stopped by. I have always loved the Ollis's and will continue to stay in touch with Brook. She is a dear, faithful woman.
I met Ron at a picnic following a West High class reunion. He was such a kind and friendly person that I remember thinking he was perfect for Brooke. Somehow I ended up with a picture of both of them, looking so happy.
I attached that picture to my refrigerator. I wanted to see those wonderful faces every day. When Steve died suddenly, it gave me tremendous solace to know that happy friends still existed, just by looking at that photo.
You touched lives in such a positive way. And isn't that the best thing anyone can say about a friend?
Brooke
I just heard today of Ron's passing. My heart goes out to you. Know how much I love you and hope you are doing ok .
Prayers and hugs