Jay Newell Olsen

The mortal journey of Jay Newell Olsen came to an end on March 17, 2023 at the age of 70. His love for the Savior never wavered as he courageously battled many health challenges and it is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Jay was a well-respected builder and developer who touched the lives of many through his tireless work ethic and commitment to excellence in all that he did.

His remarkable life began on January 25th of 1953 when he was born to Newell Joseph and Mary Barlow Olsen in Gunnison, Utah. Jay was the 4th of 5 children and lost his father at the young age of 7 years old. He became best friends with his Grandpa Joe, who was an integral part in the framing of the man he would become.

Many of the principles and philosophies that Jay lived by were rooted in hard work, honesty, and integrity. Through this work came the blessing of knowing what was truly important and the direction his life should take very early on. He married his high school sweetheart, Jeri Peterson, on April 24, 1971 and they were sealed in the Manti Temple on April 6, 1974. They were blessed with 2 daughters and 3 sons. His family was everything to him, and he worked tirelessly to provide for them.

Just as his family began, Jay started in the framing industry as a subcontractor, which evolved into starting his own construction company as a general contractor. He was the youngest individual to pass the General Contracting License test and had to wait 6 months until he reached the minimum age of 21. He quickly evolved into a builder, developer, and real estate broker. Jay was a true master of his craft, and his work can be seen throughout the community. He was responsible for the construction of numerous homes, businesses, and public buildings, all of which stand as a testament to his skill and dedication. His attention to detail and commitment to quality were evident in every project he undertook, and his legacy will live on through not only the structures he created, but the associations he built along the way.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jay was a devoted family man. He loved his wife, children, and 18 grandchildren deeply, and spent much of his free time with them. He loved adventures with his family: from camping in the motorhome, to boating in Lake Powell and Yuba, riding 3 wheelers at the sand dunes, annual trips to Newport Beach, and traveling the world to experience new things. As much as he loved traveling, he knew the importance of traditions at home and provided memories for the entire family through events such as The Pumpkin Party, Easter egg hunts, 3rd Sunday dinners, breakfast in the mountains, Christmas tree hunting, Christmas Eve charades and cookie decorating, and backyard volleyball.

He had a love for technology and gadgets and labeled everything with his personalized JNO. He always had a pen at hand, sometimes 2 or 3 just in case of need.

He was a kind, caring, and compassionate man, always putting the needs of others before his own. He was generous and faithful with a playful wit that was full of wisdom. He had learned the importance of integrity and doing hard things. He knew that obedience brings blessings and that strict obedience can bring miracles.

He felt privileged to have served in many religious capacities in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Serving at various times as gospel doctrine instructor, Elders quorum president, bishopric callings, high counselor, and had a soft spot for serving in the Young Single Adult Bishopric.

He is survived by his wife, Jeri; children Kimber (Quinton) Powell, Jedd (Katie) Olsen, Rick (Amy) Olsen, Jacy (Curtis) Clayton, Jaks (Jenica) Olsen and 18 grandchildren; sisters Laraine (Larry) Kearns and JoAnn (Craig) Dansie; mother-in-law LuAnn Peterson.

He is preceded in death by his older sister Leona Ann and younger brother Kenneth, father Newell, mother Mary, grandfather Ereck Joseph (“Grandpa Joe”), and father-in-law Jack Peterson.

Viewing: Friday, March 24, 2023, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Anderson & Goff Mortuary, 11859 S 700 E, Draper, Utah

Viewing: Saturday, March 25, 2023, 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Services: Saturday, March 25, 2023, 11:00 AM
LDS Stake Center, 1450 E Raddon Drive, Sandy, Utah

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the love, compassion, and support everyone has shown our family during this difficult time. We will always be grateful.

-The Jay N Olsen Family

The service will be livestreamed on the Anderson & Goff Mortuary Facebook Page at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Funeral-Service---Cemetery/Anderson-Goff-Mortuary-293949407707203/ (The livestream video will appear when the service starts.)