Edward Raymond Olson
Our beloved dad, Edward, “Eddie”, Raymond Olson, 94, quietly departed this life on July 7, 2024, at the Veterans Home, Yountville, California, where he had been retired and living for the past 18 years.
He was born to Erie and Katie Olson, in Great Falls Montana, November 13, 1929. He grew up and went to school in Great Falls and received a BA in Engineering from Montana State University, Bozeman, MT. Dad served honorably in the Air Force for two years. He moved to California where he met and married our mom in 1957. They lived in Manhattan Beach CA, where we were both born (Cynthia Dee in 1958 and Catherine Ann in 1960). Dad had a job transfer and the family moved to Santa Barbara in 1968.
In Santa Barbara, dad helped to start up Information Magnetics Corporation (Infomag). He later started up and worked for several other businesses and returned to school to receive an MA degree in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling from San Francisco State University in 1987. He considered himself to be a “hands-on” engineer with years of skills solving business and household problems. Once retired, he continued to work and build relationships with family, friends and community. He was the chairman of the Vet’s home Allied Council, was part of a toastmaster’s group, a chorus group, a puppet performance group, etc. Dad was also very enthusiastic about tennis. He played the game, receiving trophies in his younger years and followed the sport closely in his later years too. Dad was quoted saying that he “loves life and all the wondrous things it offers for those who choose to participate”.
Dad was so easy to get along with and those who knew him always commented on what a great guy he was. There are many who will always cherish the special relationship they had with him. We, his daughters, Cynthia Beaudoin (and husband Randy) and Cathy Larue, Nieces Laura Olson and Tearesa Ferrall (and husband Wayne), Nephew Mark Olson, and dad’s devoted friend Meghan Gregory, were so thankful to have special time with him during his last couple weeks of life. Others survived by dad, who will also cherish his memory, include grandchildren Nicole, Miranda and Brett Beaudoin and Jazzmyn Larue, and many other family members and friends.
A memorial service will be held in November, close to dad’s birthday, in Santa Barbara. If you would like to receive further information about the service, please contact Cindy Beaudoin at 805 260-4329 or ocindybo@charter.net.