Glen Harold Oliverson
Glen Harold Oliverson, age 90, passed away Jan. 29, 2014, surrounded by his loving wife and children. Glen was the second child born to Harold and Lucy Pearl Olsen Oliverson in Mt. Pleasant, Utah, on July 14, 1923.
His family moved to Preston, Idaho, in 1930 to take over the family farm, where Glen learned the value of hard work and was raised in a wonderful gospel-centered home. He loved all athletic sports and as a youth looked forward, after a long week of farm work, to the Saturday afternoon baseball games. In high school he participated in basketball, track, baseball, wrestling and was a standout in football. After high school Glen received an athletic scholarship to attend BYU, where he played baseball and football before entering the military in World War II. He served for three years in the Marines and the Navy and was assigned ship duty in the Pacific Theater. After the military in 1946, he returned to BYU to play more football and to complete his degree. He was a member of the first BYU football team to finally beat Utah.
Soon after returning from the military, he met the love of his life, Francine Dunkley, from Whitney, Idaho. They were married Aug. 14, 1946, in the Salt Lake Temple. They have five children, 23 grandchildren and 52 great-grandchildren.
After graduating from BYU Glen coached football, basketball and baseball at Preston High where he had many 1st place region teams and most importantly had an opportunity to work with young men and help them develop personally. His philosophy was that sports and the playing field were like life and much could be learned there, including the value of hard work, dedication, sacrifice, how to win and how to lose but most importantly, to never give up. Glen also coached football and baseball at Sky View High School in Smithfield and was the Athletic Director there for many years. He was recently inducted into Sky View's Hall of Fame. Throughout his life he remained a diehard BYU fan, attending as many BYU football games as possible. He was usually one of the first in the stadium before each game.
Glen is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and throughout his life has served in many callings including bishop and patriarch. Glen and Francine served missions in Australia and in Independence, Mo. They also faithfully served in the Logan Temple for many years.
His greatest joy was his wife and family. As a family we spent many wonderful hours together in a peaceful loving home where his demeanor was one of gentleness and love. "Thank you," Dad, for taking us wherever you went from the football game sidelines to thinning beats on the farm. We love you.
Glen is survived by his wife, Francine Dunkley Oliverson. His children Micheal (Kris) Oliverson of Smithfield; Marcene (Ron) Karren of Centerville; Kim (Nancy) Oliverson of South Jordan; Nancy (Curtis) Brough of Logan and David (Katie) Oliverson of Smithfield. They have 23 grandchildren and 52 great grandchildren. Glen leaves behind siblings; Robert (Ester) Oliverson, Gordon (Kathy) Oliverson, Ethel (Hub) Rockwood, Elaine (Orval) Benson and Helen Oliverson, sister-in-law.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Ray Oliverson; a sister Margaret Robb, and a grandson Smith Nyman.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Monday, Feb. 3, at the Smithfield 18th Ward chapel, 625 E. 600 South, Smithfield. A viewing will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, at the Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 E. Center St. in Logan, and at the church prior to the service on Monday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Military rites and interment will be at the Smithfield City Cemetery.
The family would like to extend thanks to the staff at Legacy House in Logan, and also to the Sunshine Hospice staff for their caring and concern for Dad. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.allenmortuaries.net. -