Thomas Prestmann Olsen

Click below to listen to the funeral service. Available until November 14, 2016.

After a valiant contest with cancer, Thomas Prestmann Olsen, age 45, rests in peace. His prize was a life of emboldened adventure and adoring family.

Tom was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on March 22, 1971. His movement through life reflects his enduring legacy. Reared in Park City, Utah, he pledged his personal and professional life to mountain living. He learned to ski on the court of three kings; learned to drive and bike on the old ranch road; learned his profession and built a career on par with his ambition; learned the meaning of unconditional love as the sun was setting.

On August 12, 2004, Tom vowed timeless devotion and infinite passion to his wife, Emily. Together, they skipped the Pebble Beach in Carmel and strolled the Laguna Nigel at Dana Point. They climbed the peaks of Jupiter and Murdock; tamed the waters of the Atlantic and the Willamette. They conquered the Iron Man and mastered the Iron Mountain. And, yet, their greatest life adventure was growing and nurturing their family which includes children Hailey, Danielle, Thomas Gator and Madison.

As a husband, with his tender charm and playful chuckle, he redefines the known earthly value of terms such as best friend, eternal companion, devoted lover, admiring spouse. Emily is his light source. His children remain champions of his goodness.

As a father, he shows them that scouts of fortune pursue their dreams. And, that determination and commitment become opportunity, and their contest – having him live in their hearts and memories – will bring them his prize. A life inspired by and lived in adventure and with kin.

As a son, he shows us that a child embodies the best of two parents, and that a man is better than you thought his best could be.

As a brother, he inspires us toward challenging journeys and shows us the faithful path a generous man takes to become a remarkable hero.

As a professional and artist, Tom found inspiration building custom homes. His work draws on the simplicity of form and material, and incorporates the complexity of function and connection. He creates engaging spaces that reflect his admiration of and engagement with the landscape and the family-scape.

As our hero, Tom reveals that true love and sheer will combine to create a force of life so strong and powerful that a man can transform himself into our prize – that every day together is a gift.

Tom lives on in his wife, Emily Kilgore Olsen, and his children, Hailey, Danielle,  Thomas Gator and Madison; his mother, Mary Ann Griffin Olsen; his siblings, Darrick Prestmann Olsen (Vanette Flinders Olsen), Lisa Ann Olsen (Andrew Sipple), Jody Olsen Agraz (Jess Agraz) and William Prestmann Olsen (Karen Higman Olsen); and his many beloved nieces and nephews. Bjarne (Dan) Prestmann Olsen, his father, precedes him in death.

For their gracious support, remarkable guidance and compassionate care, the Olsen family would like to thank Dr. Yong Hui Ahn, Dr. Kenneth Grossman, Carolyn Luckett and Lisa Ann Olsen.

The memorial service will be held Monday, August 15th at The Garden Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City, Utah, 2601 E. Sunnyside Avenue. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 am. The service will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tom Olsen Family College Fund at http://www.gofundme.com/tomolsenmemorial