Frederick William Olson

Frederick William Olson (Fred to his many, many friends) passed away peacefully on Friday, November 26th in the company of his loving wife of 25 years, Mary Olson. Fred is survived by his son John, daughter Linda, and son Mark, Stepsons Victor and Kian, and grandchildren Andrew, Marissa, Anna, Luke, and Sarah. Born in Portland, Oregon in 1931, Fred was the son of William (Baboose) and Rose (Yah-Yah), and the brother of Florence. He was a longtime member of St. Philip Neri Parish, in Portland. He was married to Enyd Jeanne Hartshorn also of Portland for 26 years. Fred served in the US Air Force during the Korean War. After his military service, he was recruited into the newly formed Office of Communications in CIA. Fred served with distinction in CIA for 33 years, rising into the ranks of the Senior Intelligence Service, and was awarded the Intelligence Medal of Merit. In CIA, he served in senior leadership positions in Asia, the Middle East, and in Washington, DC. Fred had a lifelong passion for travel and travel photography. He was dedicated to his volunteer work with Meals on Wheels, where he served as the Coordinator for the Chantilly, Virginia area for 15 years. And he was well-known as a faithful and enthusiastic supporter of the Washington Redskins. He will be remembered for his love and commitment to family and friends, as well as for his warm and friendly smile. He will be sorely missed. Donations in Fred’s name may be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

A Memorial Mass for Fred will be held on Saturday, December 5 at 10AM at St. Timothy Catholic Church, 13807 Poplar Tree Road, Chantilly, Virginia, where Fred and Mary were parishioners. There will be a remembrance reception immediately following.