Carl Bradly Olsen

Carl Bradley “Brad” Olsen

Brad passed away suddenly on July 6 in Tempe, Arizona.  He was born April 20,1949 in Provo, Utah. He was the second child of Louise and Carl Olsen.  He grew up in Orem, Utah where he had a passion for playing baseball starting at age 7 until his college graduation. He attended Orem High School and was a great student. 

Brad attended Brigham Young University, where he received an academic scholarship and an athletic scholarship to play baseball.  He graduated with a degree in Zoology and earned a master’s degree in Health Sciences.

In August of 1971, Brad married Shari Huish. They were married for almost 51 years.  Shortly after the birth of their first child in 1973, they moved to Eloy, Arizona where he taught biology, coached baseball, basketball and football at Santa Cruz Valley Union High School. 

After four years in Eloy, they moved to Mesa, Arizona where they lived for over a decade and then moved to Tempe where they have lived for the last 34 years.  Brad taught biology for 32 years at McClintock High School and also taught part-time at Mesa Community College for many years.

Brad was an avid golfer and had ASU baseball season passes for years, rarely missing a home game.  He loved crossword puzzles, black licorice, and his dog, Sophie.

Brad was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  He had a strong knowledge that he would join his oldest son, Dr. Cristopher Olsen, and mother, Louise Olsen, upon his death. 

Brad is survived by his loving wife Shari, daughters Kelly Banas (Jeff), Kendall Downing (Jason), Courtney McKinnon (Scott) and grandchildren Hannah Mabry-Olsen (Dillon), Cristopher Olsen, Aubrie Olsen, Dylan Downing and Chloe Downing, as well as his sister Barbara Bond (Dave) and brother Mark Olsen.

A viewing will be Friday, July 15, 2022, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Del Rio building (directly south of McClintock High School). Funeral services will be Saturday, July 16th at 10:00 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Del Rio building (directly south of McClintock High School).  Interment is at the Tempe Double Buttes Cemetery.