A Live Broadcast of the Funeral Services may be viewed on Saturday, April 17, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at www.walkersanderson.com, where condolences and memories may be offered to the family. ________________________________________ Oliver Ray Knutson died peacefully in his sleep on April 12, 2021, after a courageous battle with the effects of COVID-19 pneumonia. He was born in Brigham City, Utah to Oliver Andrew and Margery Marie Knutson. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Karen, his parents, one brother, 2 children and 3 grandchildren. Growing up on a farm in Garland, Utah, Ray learned a strong work ethic. He graduated from Bear River High School after which he served a mission in the Denmark, Copenhagen mission. Before his mission, Ray met Karen Smith, the love of his life at the Utah State Fair while showing pigs. Once he got home, he married his sweetheart in the Logan Temple and started their life of adventures. Ray attended Utah State University, Brigham Young University, and Weber State. He received both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Ray worked as a teacher, coach, engineer, manager, and bus driver. He also served in the United States Army retiring as a Colonel. Ray and Karen took on the world together. They loved to travel and Dad was excited when he completed his quest to visit all 50 states. His yearly National Guard assignments were based on where he could pack up the family and give them on-site history lessons, including trips to cemeteries for genealogy research. They were both avid genealogists and added tens of thousands of names to their family tree. When given the opportunity to work in Egypt, they couldn't pack their bags fast enough and ended up spending 11 years living, working, and exploring there. They also served 3 LDS missions together. They retired to Orem, Utah to be closer to his beloved kids and grandkids, and the BYU Cougars. Ray was an avid scouter. He earned his wood badge beads then served on staff while his wife earned hers. He was influential in helping hundreds of young men achieve their Eagle Scout Award. In 1984 Ray received the Silver Beaver Award. Ray had many passions. From childhood, he followed the Dodgers from their beginnings in Brooklyn to Los Angeles. He never missed watching one of their games and instilled the love of baseball in his family. He also loved bird watching, photography, singing in various choirs, watching game shows and collecting coins. He supported his family in their many interests, including games, concerts, plays, blessings, baptisms, weddings, and more. Dressed in a costume made by Karen, he loved to play Santa at family parties. He also played Santa for the neighborhood children, and delivered Danish cookies at Christmas time and chocolate cakes for birthdays. He faithfully wrote cards to each child, grandchild, and great-grandchild for important events. Writing cards for recent birthdays and weddings was his last act of service for his family—writing them while sitting in his hospital bed on high oxygen support. He was the perfect example of Christ-like compassion and generosity, and was loved by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his children Monte Ray (Kathleen) Knutson, Kevin Val (Misty) Knutson, Kristi Lee (Stanley) Peck, Troy Oliver (Paula) Knutson, and Cheri Kay (Ron) Campbell, 28 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren with two on the way, and one great-great-grandchild who will be born in June. "Our family would like to express our deepest appreciation for Ray's friends at Summerfield Retirement Community, as well as the staff at Utah Valley Hospital who tirelessly took care of the rock of our family. Thank you for loving our Dad." A viewing will be held Friday, April 16th from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Walker Sanderson Funeral Home 646 East 800 North Orem, Utah. The viewing on Saturday, April 17th will be from 9:30 a.m. -10:30 a.m. and the funeral at 11:00 a.m. at the Sharon Stake Center 545 South 800 East Orem, Utah. Interment will be at the Bear River City Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. where he will be laid to rest next to his eternal companion, his children, parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and more. Military Honors will be performed. A Live Broadcast of the Funeral Services may be viewed on Saturday, April 17, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at www.walkersanderson.com, where condolences and memories may be offered to the family.