Roland Dean Olson, 97, of Irvine, California passed away peacefully at his home on July 29, 2026. He is survived by his wife, VaLoye Roos Olson, children: LeAnne (Larry) Herdman, Karen (Stephen) Bills, Shauna (Brett) Woolley, Melanie (Kenneth) Wilhelm, Eric (Jennifer) Olson, Cheryl (Glen) Knutti, and Robin (Austin) Peterson, as well as 37 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren. His priorities in life were faith, family, and service.

He was born on April 27, 1929, in Eureka, Utah to Roland Lars Olson and Estella Jane Goddard Olson. Dean grew up in the Salt Lake Valley in Utah. He graduated from Jordan High School in 1947. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from The University of Utah in 1956. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Dean earned his Master of Science Electrical Engineering degree at The University of Southern California in 1958.

Dean married VaLoye Roos on October 8, 1952, in the Salt Lake Temple.

Dean served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict from 1952 - 1954. He had a successful career as an electronic engineer in the aerospace industry. He served his community for eight years as a founding school board member of the Irvine Unified School District. He was involved in The Boy Scouts of America for many years, and earned the rank of Silver Beaver.

Dean was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many positions including Bishop, High Councilor, Stake Presidency Member, and in numerous other organizations. He served four missions for the Church, the last three with VaLoye: Norway Oslo Mission, 1949- 1951; Mission President in Norway Oslo Mission, 1993 - 1996; Sweden Stockholm Temple, 1999 - 2001; Family and Church History Mission, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2003 - 2004. He also served as a sealer and president of the Newport Beach California Temple. Dean wanted to dedicate a tenth of his life in full-time service of the Lord, which he greatly surpassed.

Dean was a talented artist, skilled craftsman, carpenter, and handyman. He could build and fix just about anything! Dean was an avid outdoorsman who loved riding horses, fishing, camping, and hiking. He took many scouts on 50-mile hikes and other adventures including hiking to the summit of Mt. Whitney in California several times. His motto was “Leave it better than you found it!” He loved to sing, whistle, and play the guitar and piano. He enjoyed going to the beach and swimming in his pool. Dean and VaLoye traveled to every continent except Antarctica.

Dean’s greatest joy and happiness came from his family life. He taught by love and example. He was deeply proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He often said “I have the best family in the world!”

Funeral services will be held on Saturday August 15, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 23 Lake Road, Irvine, CA 92604. Visitation from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Also available via Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/95842472327

Interment will be at the El Toro Memorial Park, Lake Forest, California.

In lieu of flowers consider donating to:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Missionary Fund

https://donations.churchofjesuschrist.org/donations/donation?tabKey=0

or

Arizona Refugee Center

https://azrefugeecenter.org/