Steve Olpin

Let us remember dear Steve fondly in our hearts. May we take comfort in knowing his spirit lives on as vibrantly as ever before. Just as full of love, now unburdened, and ever close by.”

• 69 years old
• Born on January 19, 1955 in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
• Passed away on March 5, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

With an ache in our hearts, we bid farewell to Steven Neal Olpin, a cherished husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and beacon of light in our lives. He is preceded in death by his parents Neal Bert and Joe Ann Broyles Olpin, and niece Brittany Lee Olpin. Survived by his wife Patricia McCullough, son Nicholas Olpin, daughter Elizabeth Brockbank. His brother Nathan (Sue) Olpin, sister Stephanie (Randy) Royter and many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews. Steve was laid to rest by cremation March 15th, 2024. 

Steve’s life began on January 19th, 1955 in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he graced the world with an energy and presence unlike any other. Each step of his journey since was one of impact, for Steve was rarely shy about his boundless enthusiasm, and love for all those near and dear to him

Throughout his life, Steve embraced every moment with optimistic determination, generous compassion, and fun-loving cleverness. His hard work paired with innate talents allowed him to explore many passions, including competing as a drummer in Battle of the Bands starting from a young age, as well as fly down the slopes racing for the Alta ski team. While he suffered many injuries from his early years as a thrill seeker, his zest for life remained strong. His adventures continued on, serving the people of New Zealand as a missionary for the LDS church, followed soon after by the many business ventures that took him across the states; including Santa Monica, California where he met his wife, Patricia Anne McCullough.

Together Steve and Tricia built a life of love, laughter, and many cherished memories. A few of their favorite adventures include bike rides along the beaches of Southern California, a romantic James Taylor concert, and weekends enjoying the fresh mountain air in Park City, UT. They often spent their time together enjoying the outdoors, practicing many different sports, playing cribbage, attending concerts, and making each other laugh with their shared appreciation for clowning around. Their family grew, as their son Nicholas was born, followed by Elizabeth 5 years later. Many beloved (spoiled) animals became a part of the family over the years. 

Steve and Nick spent many long days together on the golf green, and working on their physique at the gym. Together they frequently won golf tournaments and achieved impressive fitness goals that earned them a welcomed spot at the Muscle Beach Gym in Venice Beach, California. He spent time with his daughter, Elizabeth, attending concerts, hiking through the Wasatch mountains, sharing in their mutual love of animals, and rallying their four-wheeler. During the summer months you could find them outdoors, playing sports and jamming to music together. Steve also lovingly treated his kid’s friends as if they were one of his own. Thanks to that, we have many amazing, and hilarious memories to reminisce on, a tenderness during this time.

Steve and Tricia put down roots in beautiful Sandy Utah, building the first home on Lone Hollow drive. The community that was fostered over 30+ years they spent in Pepperwood was a most treasured part of Steve’s life. He found genuine joy in dedicating his time to his calling as a Sunday school, and Primary teacher. A highlight of his week was picking out special treats and preparing engaging activities and lessons so he could make sure the kids had something fun in store for them at church each Sunday. There are many similar stories that reflect the deep love he had for his community, and how wonderful it is that so many reciprocated that generosity and love right back to him. I hope all his neighbors, friends, and ward members know just how much your friendship and kindness was cherished by him, and still is by the rest of the Olpin family.

The bond Steve shared with his parents, brother, sister, and their children was truly special. His dad, known lovingly as Papa, was his very best friend, who he spoke on the phone with every day. At family gatherings he delighted in teasing his mom, horsing around with his nieces and nephews, and instigating impromptu games. Often, he would eagerly gather everyone around, instruments in hand, ready for an improvised jam session. With Steve on the bongo drums, his brother Nate playing guitar, and the rest of the family joining in on the singing, many evenings were accompanied by the sound of music, and laughter.

Alongside his fun loving nature was a strong sense of protection and care for his fellow mankind. Inspired by a deep relationship with the divine, Steve’s capacity for compassion and generosity had a wide reach, impacting the lives of many. He was quick to extend a helping hand to other’s, and share his time, energy, and resources. His empathy for humanity was one of his greatest gifts. To all those who knew him, he’d want you to know that you held a special place in his heart, that you matter, and even in spirit, he is rooting for you.

Thank you for taking time to read through my dad’s obituary. I find it difficult to appropriately summarize the vibrancy of Steve and his 69 years of life. There were extraordinary highs, and devastatingly painful lows. But perhaps most of all, there was a lot of love.

I would like to invite you to use this memorial page as a place to share stories, photos, tributes, and any memories you’d like to share. Together we can create a rich memorial in honor of the man, the myth, the beloved mustachioed legend, Steve Olpin. 


—Written by Elizabeth Brockbank