Mr. William H. Olwell, 89, died Sunday, October 31st of causes incidental to age, at University Hospital.
He was born March 23, 1910 in Everett, Washington, to Helen Margaret Whalen and William H. Olwell.He was graduated from the University of Washington, College of Business, in 1932. He worked for the Carnation Albers Co. and was transferred to Utah in 1936.
He married Peggy Dooly, June 7, 1941, and in 1942 became associated with the late Ernest Bamberger and the Dooly family interests, which included Antelope Island and other property in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho. He was president and active manager of the Island Ranching Company for 30 years. He was president of the Dooly Corporation, a family investment company, and also the principal manager of one of Utah's largest charitable foundations, the Ruth Eleanor Bamberger and John Ernest Bamberger Memorial Foundation.
Mr. Olwell, along with the late Ernest Bamberger, Roy Simmons, and others, established the Bank of Utah in Ogden, as well as the Bank of Kearns, where he was Vice President until the merger with Zions First National Bank.
For 14 years he was a member of the Board of Trustees at Westminster college, from which he received an honorary doctorate in 1978. He was also a member of the Board of the Holy Cross Hospital and served as its chairman, a member of the Board of St. Benedict's Hospital in Ogden, and the Board of Adjustments in Salt Lake City.
He was the president and founding member of the Utah Wetlands Foundation, a member of the Bear River Club, Chesapeake Duck Club, Flat Rock Club, and Theta Delta Chi Social Fraternity, and member and president of the Alta Club.
He is survived by two daughters, Carol Olwell, San Rafael, CA and Ellie Roser, Seattle, WA, and his son-in-law, John Roser. He had four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, his sister-in-law, Jane Porter and his niece, Bonnie Phillips, Salt Lake City, and his sister, Helen Howell, Sacramento, CA.
There will be no funeral, at his request. His friends are invited to the Alta Club on Thursday, November 4th, at 5 p.m. to visit with his family. Valet parking will be provided for those who need assistance.
Those wishing to make a contribution in his memory could consider the Utah Wetlands Foundation, 136 South Main, Rm. 418, Salt Lake City, UT 84101.
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