Norman Oliphant
August 9, 1931 — November 22, 2023
Cottonwood Heights — Norman Henry Oliphant, 92, of Salt Lake City, Utah passed away on November 22, 2023 after a brief illness. Born to Elgin and Druceal Toone on August 9, 1931, he was the fourth of eleven children. Despite his challenging upbringing during the Great Depression, Norman cultivated a love for music, history, faith, and adventure. He is preceded in death by his parents and seven siblings: Nada (Leon) Davies, T. Lawrence (Molly), Roland (Yvonne), Virgina (Dan) Peterson, Robert (Pandra), Gineal (Cloyd) Stott, and Clyde (Chere). He is survived by his siblings Larona (Duane) Melville, Lucy (LeGrande) Bullock, and Gayle (Alan) Sutton.
A devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Norman was initially called to serve as a young missionary in the Eastern States, but his plans were altered when he was drafted as a Marine into the Korean War in 1951. During the war, he served as a telephone repair engineer at El Toro airfield. In 1954, he resumed his mission in Brazil, contributing significantly to the church’s growth there.
Norman met Elizabeth Fern Allphin in 1957, and they married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 14, 1959 after he completed his BA in Music Education from BYU. The couple had ten children, moving across Utah for Norman’s early career in music teaching before settling in Salt Lake City in 1969. Norman then transitioned to a very successful career in computer programming, a field where he worked until 2001. He cared for Elizabeth faithfully during an extended illness until she passed in 2010. In addition to Elizabeth, Norman is preceded in death by Jeff Thredgold (son-in-law) and Leah Maxfield (grandchild). He is survived by his 10 children: Pauline (Marvin) Longberg, Lynnette (Jeff) Thredgold (w/ MIke Capson), Kerry (Julie), Melanie (Randall) Maxfield, Lisa (Julian) Finlinson, Trent (Michele), Travis (Amy), Kendall (Megan), Laura (Janus) Crossett, and Tyler (Erika), 52 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren.
Known for his frugality and ingenuity, Norman undertook numerous unique projects, from homemade winter boots to plastic-bag accessories to innovative gardening systems. He also supported and helped Elizabeth as she nurtured a deep love of music in their family, leading to many memorable musical performances through the years and a musical legacy that continues in his posterity.
After Elizabeth graduated this life, Norman dedicated himself to family history work. As a family history missionary, he helped people connect to the family of Adam and create a record “worthy of all acceptation”. He continued working diligently at this calling even in his final days.
Norman’s legacy is marked by his devotion and service to his family, his faith, and his community. He would often share that “to be self-conscious is to be conscious of the wrong person” and he personified that phrase by living his life for others. He will be remembered as a selfless individual who left an indelible impact on his family and all who knew him. His legacy is truly his family and he will live forever through them.
Norman was laid to rest next to Elizabeth at Memorial Mountain View on November 27, 2023 after a small graveside dedication service. A memorial service to celebrate Norman’s life will be held on Friday, December 15th at the LDS church at 6301 S 2300 E, SLC with quiet visitation starting at 10am and a service to begin at 11am. Lunch and further activities will follow at the church for all family and friends who desire to stay and continue to celebrate his life.