Dr. Craig Thatcher Olson

Craig Thatcher Olson passed away on October 12, 2022 in his home after a long battle with cancer. Born to Rees Garn Olson and Aleen Thatcher on December 14, 1946 in Spanish Fork Utah, he was the oldest of four children. He enjoyed playing the oboe in school and honor bands. He graduated from Santiago High School in Garden Grove in 1964. Craig served as a Spanish speaking missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Western States Mission from (1966-1968). He was a member of the BYU International Folk Dance Team. He graduated from Brigham Young University in 1970 and then attended UCLA Dental School (1970-1974).  While attending dental school, Craig met the love of his life, Lynette Romney, and they were married in the Los Angeles Temple on December 29, 1973. Craig and Lynette raised eight children in Placentia, California.

Faith, family, and service were the guiding principles of Craig’s life.

Faith was the foundation of Craig’s life. Everything he did was with an eternal perspective and with the knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Craig always found a way to teach about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ to his children, even when doing and talking about mundane things. He lived his faith.  Craig served four missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He served as a Bishop and in the Stake Presidency. He shared his faith with others, and radiated the light of Christ in all he did.

Family was central to Craig’s life. He lived for his family. Craig enjoyed singing, dancing, camping, biking, traveling, teaching, and serving his family. He strived to create memorable family moments out of life’s daily activities. He was a “gatherer,” as he used his great organizational skills to bring family and extended family together. Caroling with his family became a yearly family tradition. As grandchildren arrived, he adored playing with them, singing to them, taking them on “grandpa walks” and just being a part of their lives.

Craig lived a life of service. Craig practiced dentistry with great care for his patients for 48 years. He was a volunteer faculty member of UCLA dental school. He served on the Brea Ministerial Association (1991-1995). He also served for 16 years on PLYUSD School Board, while also being a 26-year volunteer parent in the PTA and Band Booster organizations.  He coached youth basketball, volunteered as a Boy Scout Leader, and was a lobbyist for the Orange County Dental Association, as well as for local school boards and PTAs.

Craig is survived by his wife, Lynette, his eight children, Rees (Mari), Jared (Amy), Jenna (David), Leanne, Becky (Brett), Seth (Jenny), Brian (Laura), Jeffrey (Jill), his 31 grandchildren, and his siblings Chris (Marie), Barbara, and Mark (A’Lissa).

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (210 Livingston Ave Placentia, CA 92870).Public Viewing at 9:00AM-10:15AMFuneral Service begins at 10:30AM

The funeral will also be shown live on Zoom.Link to Join Zoom Meeting:https://zoom.us/j/94145110306?pwd=OXdJcjQwd29uRndIY1BHd3dWVzRGUT09Manually Join Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 941 4511 0306Passcode: Placentia

In memory of Craig T. Olson, you can donate to the Humanitarian Aid Fund:give.ChurchofJesusChrist.org/humanitarian-aid