Jack Olson dies — tax watchdog

The former executive vice president of the Utah Taxpayers Association died Thursday of natural causes, according to association spokesmen.

Jack A. Olson, 84, is credited with boosting membership in the association from a few hundred people to more than 2,000, according to current UTA president and Utah Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper.

Olson worked at UTA from 1964 until 1990. During that time, he weighed in on issues in each county, school district and major city in the state, according to Stephenson. Olson also spent much time on Utah's Capitol Hill as a UTA lobbyist.

Utah Sen. Lyle Hillyard, R-Logan, called Olson very engaging and respectful.

"He left a lasting mark on me and made Utah a better place," Hillyard said.