Benhart Hanks Olson 1936 ~ 2011
Benhart Hanks Olson, our beloved husband, dad, brother, grandfather & friend, passed away at his home in Manhattan Beach, CA on Apr 14, 2011. Ben was born in SLC, UT on Feb 2, 1936, the son of Malven & Arlean (Hanks) Olson. He was a graduate of East High Scgool, where he was member of the golf team, and also sang in Accapella choir. He later graduated from the U of U (GO UTES!) in Mathematics. He accepted his first full time job/career with Hughes Aircraft in 1957 in Southern CA, remaining in CA for the rest of his life. He earned his Masters in Mathematics from UCLA (GO BRUINS!) while working for Hughes. He later accepted a position at TRW where he worked as a senior systems engineer for over 30 yrs. Ben met the love of his life, Sondra Janice Zukin, and they were married in May, 1967, and enjoyed almost 44 yrs together. He loved sports of all kinds, often involving the whole family in running, tennis, golf, biking, beach volleyball, swimming, hiking, fishing, camping and lots of other diversions with sweat & competition. He played the guitar and had a wonderful tenor voice. Ben adored his two daughters and was so proud of their many swimming & other accomplishments. Although a bit quiet he always had time to be a good listener and friend to loved ones and those who knew him. He was also so proud of and loved spending time with his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Sondra, daughters Jennifer Arndt (Don), and Julie Schacht (Matt), grandchildren, Brian, Maggie, Daniel and Sarah, Sisters Nola Bunkall, Lois McDonald, Kathryn Grooms, Marilyn Irvine, and Brother David Olson. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Sat May 28, 2011, the River Ridge 7th Ward Chapel, 10200 South 1300 West, South Jordan, Utah.