Daniel Olson

Dan Olson passed on peacefully at home with his family by his side on September 9, 2014. He had been battling glioblastoma for 11 months and a recent fall and broken hip were just too much for his body to recover. Dan was the high school sweetheart of his wife of almost 48 years, Gail; father of his daughter Jen and son Gabe; and grandfather to Alexis. His mother Doris, brother Jim and sister Kathy were with him at the end also. Dan was a life long learner and teacher and finished his teaching career at Evergreen Elementary School in Shelton, Washington, the school he where he began his education as a six year old. Dan had a great love of life, usually singing his way through the hallways of school (and life) enjoying music. He always wished he had been a singer in a rock and roll band but turned to karaoke many years ago as a substitute. He was always an athlete and still enjoyed many friendships made in sports over the years. He and Gail had many wonderful travel adventures over the years ranging from renting a houseboat on Lake Powell with friends and family many years ago up to the almost round-the-world, months’ long retirement trip they took in 2007. He held a special place in his heart for Mazatlan, Mexico, having first visited as a 19 year old surfer in 1965. After many years of vacationing there, he and Gail spent winters there for five years making wonderful friends and memories in their home away from home. Dan loved his life and made the lives of his family, friends and many students a little happier when he was around. He leaves a big hole in all our lives but we were lucky to have him in our lives while he was here.