George A. Olson

George's good life came to end on August 16. He was born at home in Kalispell, Montana on August 1, 1933 to Belva Taylor and Merl B. Olson, and he died at his home in Ogden, UT after battling bladder cancer for 6 years.
It was a very full 77 years. Some highlights included; He served in the Army from 1953 to 1956 and was assigned 2 years at the Pentagon. He married Beverly Boucher in 1958 at St. Anthony's Church in Missoula, MT. In 1960 he graduated from Montana State with a degree in Civil Engineering.
He began his career with the U. S. Forest Service in 1959 on a survey crew and was caught in the massive Hebgen Lake earthquake on one of his first assignments. He and his crew mates performed search and rescue and helped many stranded campers to safety.
He advanced quickly from a civil engineer to Forest Supervisor and then Regional Director. The Forest Service took him and his family to several places in MT, ID, CA, NC and UT. He provided his family with many outdoor adventures, from backpacking to boating. He retired here in 1993. During retirement he wrote books about his family history, his career with the U. S. Forest Service, as well as a book for the grandchildren. Golfing, often at the Ben Lomond course, skiing, playing Bridge, Cruises around the world with Beverly, involvement with the Forest Service Retirees Association and dinners with friends were some of his enjoyments.
George will be remembered for his optimism, positive attitude and sense of humor. His family and his job were his loves. Each day he awoke eager to get to work where he is remembered as a mentor and for sticking his neck out to help young employees.
Survivors are his wife Beverly, son Curtis Ryan Olson (Judi), daughter Kathleen Dowell (Bill). Grandchildren Scott Dowell and Elizabeth Dowell. His son Brian and younger brother Marvin preceded him in death years ago. Also he leaves sisters Mary K. Maloney (Joe) of Butte, MT; Ethel Cuplin (Alton) of Seattle, WA; Margaret Rininger of Coeur'd Alene, ID; an uncle Ray Olson (Sylvia) of Kalispell, MT. Sister-in-law Barbara Brashear (Ray) of Walnut Creek, CA. and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial mass will be held at 7 p.m. Monday Aug 23rd at St. Florence Catholic Church in Huntsville, UT. Following the service friends are invited to stay and share memories and refreshments.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Your Community Connection of Ogden (YCC).