Obituary - Donald E. Olson

Donald E. Olson, 69, Moscow

Donald E. Olson, 69, of Moscow, died Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, at Gritman Medical Center in Moscow.

Don was born Feb. 19, 1942, to Evert A. and Mildred M. Guthrie Olson at Moscow. He grew up on the family farm, attended Moscow schools, graduating from Moscow High in 1960. During his youth he was active in FFA. He continued to farm with his dad and, on Oct. 9, 1965, married in Clarkston. They bought a place on Wallen Road, where he farmed along with his father, and when his father retired, Don took over the family farm along with other leased ground. Currently, Don had been driving cars and doing dealer trades for C and T Used Cars in Moscow.

Over the years, Don was a 4-H leader, a master welder and fabricator, taking welding classes in Aberdeen, Md., had served in the National Guard, was active in the Gideon's International, the Promise Keepers, and an FFA mentor to many. He was instrumental in the formation of and a charter member of the Latah County Snow Drifter's snowmobile club, Latah County Sheriff's Posse, and the North Idaho Quarter Horse Association. He was an active member of the Moscow Church of the Nazarene and served on the church board. He served on the Latah County Grain Growers Board for nine years. He enjoyed his cars, visiting with his family and friends, McDonald's, and playing "hand and foot". He especially loved the Guthrie family reunion every summer. Don will be remembered most for his love of people and helping out whenever and wherever he could.

Don is survived by his wife of more than 46 years at their home east of Moscow; two daughters; eight grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; his sister; his "cousin-brother,"; son-in-law; and several nieces and nephews, cousins and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by daughter Kristina; son-in-law Dennis; and a grandson, Justin Wyatt, Oct. 6, 1996; his father in 1994; and his mother in 2005.

Viewing will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday at Short's Funeral Chapel in Moscow. A memorial service will be conducted at 5:30 p.m. Friday at the Moscow Church of the Nazarene, with a dinner reception to follow in the church fellowship hall.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Nazarene Church Missions Fund, Gideon's International or to the charity of donor's choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Short's Funeral Chapel of Moscow, and online condolences may be sent to www.shortsfuneralchapel.com.

Lewiston Tribune, January 18, 2012, p. 5C
Transcribed by Jill Leonard Nock