Raymond A. Olson, 90

Raymond Arthur Olson passed away surrounded by family on Feb. 20, 2018, his 90th birthday, from complications of pneumonia.

Ray was born Feb. 20, 1928, in Kalispell, to Oscar and Clara (Hanson) Olson, the youngest of seven children. Ray developed a strong work ethic at a young age, helping his mother with projects around the house. Ray learned how to build and fix most anything. He loved spending time with his dad in Essex, playing in the river, huckleberry picking, and watching the wildlife. He always felt fortunate to have a large, close family with many gatherings throughout the years.

He graduated from Flathead County High School with the Class of 1947. Soon after, he met Sylvia Engstrom, a cute blonde, through mutual friends at a Halloween dance. They hit it off and were married the next year on Nov. 25, 1949. They raised two children and later were blessed with three grandsons.

Ray worked at Valley Oil driving delivery truck and later as office manager. During this time he purchased a tanker transport truck and hired drivers to haul fuel oil and gas from Cut Bank to Kalispell. He later sold the tanker and went to work for the Flathead County Road Department.

Ray and Sylvia built their retirement home at Village Greens. They had a beautiful view of the mountains and enjoyed watching the wildlife, deer running through their yard, and geese playing in the pond. He learned to golf and had many memorable days with his golf buddies. He and Sylvia were snowbirds for 20 years, spending winters in Apache Junction, Arizona. Many Kalispell friends also wintered down south; wonderful memories were made.

Ray and Sylvia were very active members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church; their faith was important in their lives. He was on the Board of Trustees and later Church Council; helping with many projects throughout the years. They were members of the Sons of Norway and being 100 percent Norwegian, he loved lefse and all the baked goodies — but not lutefisk!

He loved his family more than anything. Since he missed out on having his dad home much of his growing up years, he made it a priority to spend time with his kids, instilling the love of adventure in the outdoors. They ice skated, snow skied, biked and hiked. He built a wooden boat and taught his kids to water ski and spent many fun weekends at Lake Blaine and later at the family cabin on Bitterroot Lake.

Ray remained active with his family well into his 70s, golfing, waterskiing, hiking, and moonlight biking in Glacier Park.

Ray also enjoyed woodcarving, working in his yard and was always willing to help others. He will be remembered for so many things, but mainly for his love of family, great sense of humor and infectious laugh. After his last stroke in December, Ray moved to the memory care unit at Buffalo Hill Terrace. Many thanks to the staff who cared for him. Thanks also to the hospice nurses at HealthCenter Northwest, as well Dr. Palchek for his care through the years.

Ray is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Sylvia; daughter, Diane Wiggin (Tom) of Kalispell; son, Mark Olson (Juli) of Billings; three grandsons, Robbie Torgerson of Kalispell, Ryan Torgerson of Lynnwood, Washington, and Jarrett Olson of Kalispell.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Merl, Olive, Stella, Clare, Florence and Elbert.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1 p.m. on March 24 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, officiated by the Rev. Scott Thompson and the Rev. Larry Stappler, with a reception following.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church or Hospice.