Robert T. Olsen

Robert T. Olsen, age 88 has peacefully passed away in his sleep in Denver, Colorado on Thursday August 19th 2021. Born on March 14th 1933 in Roseburg, Oregon; he was the son of the late Ronald Theodore Olsen and Thelma (Baxter) Olsen. Robert had two sisters, Bonnie Lavon and Delores May. Robert is survived by His wife Mardelle of 69 years, his three children Kacey Henderson, Chris Olsen and Jeff Olsen, twelve grandchildren and twelve great- grandchildren.

Robert came from humble beginnings in rural Blackbird Creek, Idaho. He grew up in a one room log cabin with no electricity. He graduated from Idaho State Trade and Industrial School in Pocatello, Idaho. He also attended Weber State and UNLV. Through the years, Robert worked for companies such as Boeing, Martin Marietta, Digital Equipment Corp, and CSC eventually becoming a "Senior Software Analyst" that was highly respected in his field. Robert had the unique experience of working in Area 51 and had the privilege to witness the SR-71 spy plane – the Blackbird, fly at Mach 4.

During his junior year in high school he happened to notice a very pretty girl in study hall. He was immediately smitten, this young girl would eventually become the absolute love of his life. Mary Mardelle Cloward born July 28th 1935 stole his heart. He loved and adored everything about her. They were madly in love and were inseparable. They married September 26th 1952, in Cobalt, Idaho and they were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Logan, Utah LDS Temple on Sept 21st 1956. They raised their family in Las Vegas, Nevada and moved to Ridgecrest, California after their youngest graduated High School.

Robert served in the US Military from 1953-1955. His basic training was in El Paso, Texas. He was assigned to the Anti-Aircraft Battalion. He was soon sent off to Bremerhaven, Germany. At some point he was called into the Top Commander's office and was told that he had been selected to be in the Battalion Military Band as a drummer. He always believed this most certainly saved his life. He was discharged from the Military on November 16th 1955. He immediately went to Salt Lake City, Utah to find his sweetheart Mary Mardelle. In Utah they started their family. Kacey Lyn was born February 8th 1958. Chris James was born on July 20th 1959. And Jeffery Dean was born on February 14th 1961. Robert was a devoted husband and loving father. Everything revolved around his family. Robert was involved for many years working with teen runaways and volunteered with a suicide prevention hotline. Robert had the personality and temperament to excel at helping others. Robert loved music, the outdoors, travel, philosophy, science, books, watching Sports, pastries, Dr. Pepper (nectar of the gods) and a good hamburger. Robert was very witty, affectionate, had a good sense of humor, loved connecting with others, and in his golden years learned guitar and would put on magic shows for his grandchildren.

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