Kerilyn & Olin Johnson

Kerilyn Lowe Johnson

Kerilyn Lowe Johnson, 52, passed away on June 20, 2024, in American Fork, Utah. She was born on February 29, 1972, in Provo, Utah to Dallas and Suana Lowe. She was a beacon of love and light and cherished by all who knew her. 

Kerilyn's life was marked by her devotion to her family and her passion for music. A graduate of Union High School and Brigham Young University, she dedicated over 27 years to teaching voice at BYU, influencing countless students in the Musical Theatre and Commercial Music departments. Her extensive career included opening her home voice teaching studio, where she taught and mentored young artists. Many of her students have gone on to perform in professional theaters, on Broadway, and as singers and songwriters around the world. 

Among her professional achievements, Kerilyn performed across the United States and internationally. She was a member of Providence, a contemporary women's quartet, and a celebrated studio musician and recorder. Her presence in countless theater productions, benefit concerts, opening acts, and solo concerts left memorable imprints in the hearts of her audience and peers.

Kerilyn filled her life with beauty, faith, optimism, and a quality of light that led others to gravitate to her. She had a remarkable ability to gather family and friends, and her desire to befriend everyone made them feel included and valued. She brought grace, humor, and her infectious smile to every aspect of her life; the outdoors, exercise, music, travel, attending theater and dance concerts, cooking, and baking - she was particularly known for her sweet tooth! She loved to feed her family and was famous for her Chex mix, caramel popcorn, and homemade bread. As an avid foodie, she loved to try new restaurants and never said ‘no’ to a nightly bowl of ice cream. 

While attending BYU, Kerilyn stopped at the candy counter in the bookstore (a place she was known to frequent) and struck up a conversation with Olin Johnson, who worked in the bookstore. Olin asked for Kerilyn’s phone number, and they soon began dating. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on April 24, 1992.

Kerilyn's greatest happiness was to be a mother, and she loved nurturing the success of her children as they grew and developed their talents. She passed her love of music to her children,along with her strong sense of responsibility, confidence, and resilience. She taught them to see the best in others, value family time, and appreciate some of the best things in life: homemade meals and fresh cinnamon rolls. Kerilyn prioritized her faith, her relationship to God, and Christlike service to all she knew. 

Kerilyn was the heart and soul of her family and leaves a hole that will be impossible to fill. She is survived by her children, Savanna (Luis), Porter (Olivia), Kennedy (Dallin), Cooper, Dillon,and Cambelle; her parents, Dallas and Suana Lowe; siblings, Greg (Lee), Stephanie (Jason),Shane (Jenn), Nate (Catherine), and Cherie (Keith).

Kerilyn's legacy of kindness, artistry, and unwavering positivity will continue to inspire and resonate within her community and beyond.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 1:00 pm at the Alpine Tabernacle(110 E Main Street, American Fork). A viewing will be held on Friday, June 28, from 6 to 8 pm at the American Fork North Stake Center (950 N 60 E, American Fork), and on Saturday from11:15 to 12:45 pm, prior to the services at the Alpine Tabernacle. A private interment will follow at the Highland City Cemetery.

As we cope with immense sorrow, mourning the loss of Kerilyn, our beautiful mother, daughter,and sister, we also mourn for Olin, despite his actions. We are overwhelmed with love and support from the community and express our deepest appreciation and gratitude. If you or someone you love is in crisis, please reach out for help.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. --Revelation 21:4

Olin Malcom Johnson

Olin Malcolm Johnson, 57, passed away on June 20, 2024, in American Fork, Utah. He was born on March 29, 1967, to Dorothy C. and Daniel L. Johnson. He was a loving and patient supporter of his family, and always found peace in nature.

In high school, Olin excelled as a top-performing wrestler and cross-country athlete. Upon returning from his service as an LDS missionary in Lisbon, Portugal, he pursued dual bachelor’s degrees in Portuguese and International Relations at Brigham Young University while working as a language instructor at the Missionary Training Center.

Olin met Kerilyn Lowe Johnson at BYU while he was working at the campus bookstore. He asked for her phone number at the candy counter, and they began dating. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on April 24, 1992. Olin worked hard to provide a happy and full life for his wife and six children and always supported them in their passions. He proudly attended ballet concerts, wrestling matches, karate demonstrations, musical productions, disc golf tournaments, tennis matches, and orchestra and piano concerts. He never hesitated to express pride in his family, and his support showed how much he wanted them to become their best selves.

Olin was a leader, mentor, and true friend of the Utah County Sheriff Search and Rescue (SAR)team, volunteering his service for 24 years. During his time with SAR, his roles included President, New Member Trainer, Marine Rescue Technology Trainer, Incident Command Services, and he spearheaded the SAR single-track team. Olin dedicated his personal time and resources to help thousands in the Utah County community. He was always calm, thoughtful, kind, and professional, and his compassion for those in need, as well as for those on the team, was felt by all. 

Beyond his contributions to SAR, Olin found happiness spending time outdoors with his family. He shared his passions with his family and passed his adventurous spirit onto them. Some of his hobbies included dirt biking, skiing, rock climbing, hiking, repelling, snorkeling, motorcycling in the canyons, golfing, and sitting on the porch enjoying cold weather. He taught each of his kids how to ride a dirt bike before they could drive, and his calm and patient lessons taught them not to panic throttle, literally and metaphorically. Olin was known for his goofiness, love of board games, random trivia knowledge, and enthusiasm for political discussions. He never spoke ill of anyone and taught by example that the most important thing was showing up for his family. Olin was a constant source of calm and strength to his family, and he will be missed dearly. 

He is survived by his six children, Savanna (Luis), Porter (Olivia), Kennedy (Dallin), Cooper,Dillon, and Cambelle; his mother, Dorothy Johnson; siblings, Romer (Carolyn), Daniela (Brett),Wenona, Conrad (Amber), and Garrett.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 1:00 pm at the Alpine Tabernacle(110 E Main Street, American Fork). A viewing will be held on Friday, June 28, from 6 to 8 pm at the American Fork North Stake Center (950 N 60 E, American Fork), and on Saturday from11:15 to 12:45 pm, prior to the services at the Alpine Tabernacle. A private interment will follow at the Highland City Cemetery.

As we cope with immense sorrow, mourning the loss of Kerilyn, our beautiful mother, daughter, and sister, we also mourn for Olin, despite his actions. We are overwhelmed with love and support from the community and express our deepest appreciation and gratitude. If you or someone you love is in crisis, please reach out for help.