Ralph Andrew Olsen

Ralph Andrew Olsen, of Long Beach, California, passed away peacefully with family by his side on August 9, 2019. Ralph was born on May 13, 1931 in Provo, Utah.Ralph was a beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a sports enthusiast and enjoyed playing basketball and baseball. While attending BYU he lettered in baseball and basketball. In 1951, the BYU Cougars basketball team won the National Invitational Tournament (N.I.T.) in New York. For this accomplishment, the team, which included Ralph, was inducted into the BYU Sports Hall of Fame.Ralph served in the Utah National Guard for 7 years. After he graduated medical school from The University of Utah earning his MD, he enlisted in the United States Army as a Flight Surgeon, Second Lieutenant in September 1959. In 1960, Ralph was promoted to Captain. As an Officer, he retired and was honorably discharged in June 1963. Ralph served a total of 12 years in the U.S. Military.Ralph moved his family from Fort Lewis, Washington to Long Beach, California in June 1963 and began working as a Radiologist in the V.A. Hospital. He later left the V.A. Hospital and went into private practice specializing in Radiology and Nuclear Medicine in 1967. He was the radiologist at Huntington Beach Intercommunity Hospital for 35 years. He finally retired at the age of 80.Ralph was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was an active member of the Long Beach 3rd Ward for 56 years, from 1963 until the present. He had many callings including serving as the Bishop of the Long Beach 3rd Ward for 10 years. He loved playing on, and coaching, the ward basketball and softball teams throughout the years. His dedication to the church led to many long-lasting friendships.Ralph was preceded in death by Sherry, his beloved wife of 66 years, his parents Raymond and Margaret Olsen, and his siblings, Glenn, Edwin and Margaret.Ralph is survived by his three children sons, Rand (Dawn) Olsen of Kauai and David Olsen of Long Beach; daughter, Susan Olsen (Jim) Tinker of San Clemente. Grandchildren Danny (Laura) Holt, Taylor (Ira) Holt, Mallory Holt, Kayla Tinker, Tyler (Emily) Olsen, Laurel (Zach) Olsen, Chloe Olsen, Carter Olsen, and Malia Olsen; Great-Grand Children Noah and Marlo Holt, Jameson and Nolan Holt, and Felix Olsen.The viewing will be held Monday, September 2nd from 6 - 7:30 pm at Luyben Dilday Mortuary. The services and burial will be held on Tuesday September 3rd 2019 at 11:30 AM at The Riverside National Cemetery; located at 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518.The family would like to thank Luyben Dilday Mortuary for assisting us with the arrangements along with Bishop Brimley and the Riverside National Cemetery.In Lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401