Raphael Norman Olsen Obituary (1922

Raphael Norman Olsen (Ray) was born September 30, 1922 in Vernal, UT. He grew up on a farm and his father was a schoolteacher and music store owner. While he was in High School his family moved to Salt Lake City and he finished High School there. After high school he attended the University of Utah for a year where he played flute and picolo in the orchestra. Then his family moved to Hollywood, California where he attended Los Angeles Valley College. He enlisted in the Navy where he served from 1944 to 1946. In 1948 he met Annie Maurine Richardson and they were married on September 1st of that year in the Salt Lake Temple. In 1949 he began his career of 35 years at NBC in Burbank California. He is survived by his eight children Norman (Elaine), Gerald (Marci), Alan (Diane), Duane, Sue Anne Johnson (McKay), Karen Niedfeldt (Gary), Laurie Niedfeldt (Chad), Gregory (Susan); and 46 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by Annie, his wife of 54 years, and two grandchildren. Ray was the ultimate do-it-yourselfer. He built his own house with help from his brothers and remodeled it twice. He loved reparing electronic devices and appliances. He invented many useful electronic tools and even built his own electronic piano tuner. He was always fixing things. When asked to repair things for neighbors he never accepted payment, but suggested they make a donation to the poor. He would do anything to help others. He was an amature photographer who took thousands of pictures over his lifetime. He loved hiking and camping. He was a real animal lover. He also loved music. As a boy he played in his family orchestra and taught his own childrend to love music. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Saints. His favorite calling was teaching the Gospel Doctrine Class. He dedicated his life to his family, his church and his country. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at 2:00 pm in the Lindon Central Stake Center, 56 East 600 North, Lindon. Family and friends may attend a viewing Monday evening from 6-8 pm at Olpin Family Mortuary, 494 South 300 East, Pleasant Grove and also on Tuesday one hour prior to services at the Stake Center. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com.