Rulon C. Olsen

Rulon Clair Olsen, 75, of Logan, Utah passed away peacefully on Aug. 3, 2014, surrounded by his family.
Born in Logan, Utah on May 16, 1939, Rulon was the fourth of seven children and was born to the late Carrol LeGrande and LaVerda (Hawkes) Olsen. Rulon was a graduate of Logan High School where he was active in sports and academics. He married his high school sweetheart, Karen Marie Anderson. He was called to active military duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis and served proudly in the U.S. Army. He then went on to attend Utah State University where he graduated with a degree in Elementary Education and completed his Masters degree in Education Administration.
Rulon began his 37 year career with Logan City Schools as a fifth grade teacher at Wilson Elementary School where he later served as Principal. Several years later he was called to be the Principal of Logan High School where he led the school to academic success from 1976 to 1999. Rulon was very proud of the legacy he helped to build at Logan High. He attended many of the academic, and musical events and was proud of the fact that he never missed a football or baskeball game at home or away. Rulon brought many positive changes and growth to the school and was so proud of the team of teachers and administrators that supported the school. His pride in the academic achievements of the students was highlighted when Logan High was named one of the top 100 high schools in the nation and he attended a reception at the White House to honor the schools’ achievements. He could be quoted on many occasions letting people know that being the Principal of Logan High was the best job he could ever have. Rulon was also very active within the Utah education system and held numerous board positions.
Rulon was also active in the local community and was a member of the Logan Lion’s Club. He enjoyed traveling with the high school groups and with his family. He enjoyed spending time at his cabin at Bear Lake. Rulon was an active member in the LDS Church Logan 8th ward where he held numerous callings but especially enjoyed teaching in the primary.
Rulon’s health declined in later years and was cared for lovingly by his wife of 55 years, Karen. He is also survived by his children Jeff (Cris) Olsen, Julie (Mike) Serna, Kevin (Daleen) Olsen, seven grandchildren and his brothers Brent (Elaine) Olsen and Theron Olsen and his sister DeAnn (Clyde) Leishman. He was preceeded in death by his parents, Carroll and LaVerda Olsen and his brothers Lornell, Deloy, and Gerald.
Special thanks to Jeff Gabriel, Ray Watts and the Logan High coaches and administration for allowing Rulon to remain involved and attend Logan High events after his retirement. Special thanks to Dr. Mark Firth and the staff at Logan Valley Nursing Rehab for their loving care of Rulon. In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests donation be made to the Logan Schools Foundation supporting a memorial scholarship in Rulon’s name by contacting Shana Longhurst at shana.longhurst@loganschools.org or via mail at Logan Schools Foundation at 101 West Center, Logan.
Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Friday, August 8th at the Logan 8th Ward Chapel, 325 Lauralin Drive, Logan. Viewing services are scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 7 from 6 to 8 PM at Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center Street in Logan and from 10:30–11:30 AM prior to the funeral at the church. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.allenmortuaries.net .