Retired Utah Taxpayers Association Executive Vice President Jack Olson died Thursday at age 84, the association announced.

Olson served in the vice president's position for 26 years beginning in 1964. The association credits him with fighting tax and spending increases throughout those years, and with helping boost membership from a few hundred to more than 2,000.

Association President Howard Stephenson called Olson a "fearless defender of taxpayers." State Sen. Lyle Hillyard, R-Logan, said Olson was one of the first people he met when joining the Utah Legislature, and that he left his mark on the state.

"I found him very engaging, not only because of his understanding of tax policy, but because of his deep respect for Utah and the taxpayers he represented," Hillyard said.

The Salt Lake Tribune