I had the privilege of calling Dan my friend for over 40 years. His understated presence and intellect had an impact on my life and showed me that you could make your point without forcing the issue or being confrontational. I will miss hearing his ho, ho, ho belly laugh along with his wisdom and caring demeanor. Seeing the impact he had on his colleagues and students via their posts is testament to the influence he had on everyone who knew him. Rest in peace my friend.
Lou Rishchynski

Dan, I have only fond memories of all interactions with you over 28 plus years.  Your spirit, energy and presence was always consistent and hence safe.  I always enjoyed hanging with you,  whether it was playing crib, talking about history, ir just being present  The depth of  your being knows no bounds.   I am so grateful to have shared the last weeks of your life and bearing witness of your spirits drive to surpass the boundaries of the flesh.  I believe your spirit is now free of the constraints of physicality and will continue to thrive and pulse in the universe  . ...

Dan was a wonderful, kind, and gentle soul. He was always willing to help out students, and truly was the pillar of the York Print Media area. When I first arrived as a student, Dan helped me feel safe and confident in the print studio.
Barely an exaggeration, Dan used his incredible strength to single-handedly help me move litho equipment more times than I could count. He was loved by so many in the print cohort, and the senior print students were always excited to receive Dan's contribution to the yearly print exchange. I hope the heavens have enough peanut butter cookies and fish for you, Dan. 

Joy Wong 
Faculty & former student, York University

I have so many great memories of Dan from our annual fishing trips to the French River for 30+ years.  I will miss you my friend.

During my undergraduate studies at York University, Dan was the print media studio technician. His mentorship, expertise, and guidance in all things print were incredible to be around. For two years, I worked as a Print Studio Monitor, and being trusted within the studio independently by such a master printer was a tremendous honour. The confidence he placed in me as an undergraduate student has stayed with me throughout my career and continues to influence the way I approach my work today, with detail, dedication and kindness. My condolences to all of Dan’s family and friends.

My heartfelt condolences Dan's family and friends. I had the good fortune of being a student in the printmaking department at York University where he was the technician and teacher of silkscreen printing. I will always remember his generosity and keen sense of humour. He made a significant impact on my development as a visual artist.

Dan was the life force of the print studio when I arrived as a teacher for Seneca. He was willing to explain  simple practises as many times as needed with care and patience for all of my students. He was willing to problem solve and always was positive  and upbeat. I am sorry for  the world’s loss but he left behind a wonderful legacy for printmaking with care and kindness at York .

However brief an undergraduate degree may be, Dan’s impact on my life is something I will always feel and cherish. Dan was the kind of person you knew you could trust and turn to when disclosing mistakes and missteps in the printmaking studio. His kindness and knowledge knew no bounds. I have memories from conversations with Dan that still make me laugh, he was so so funny! I owe a lot to Dan, he helped me crank my litho stones through the press more times than I can count. He was always game to troubleshoot and he never bat an eyelash when students took artistic risks by experimenting with abnormal processes and methods. His print collection, of both his own and other’s works, was impressive to say the least and I could tell how much he cared about art through the way he spoke about his prior students work. He had every reason to be proud of the students he assisted over the years and of himself. Dan was an absolute joy to work under and I feel so lucky to have met him! My deepest condolences to the family.

I started my MFA at York in 1999, and Dan was the technician at that time. He was always patient, supportive and available. He had a wide breadth of technical knowledge and a friendly, open demeanour. I remember him being very supportive when I took my first shaky steps as a TA in the print studio. After my graduation Dan and I both sat together on The Education committee at Open Studio, where he was a volounteer for many years. I remember Dan as someone who was happy to lend a hand, and as someone who made the studio a welcome and friendly place. Both of those things are definitely traits I try to hold onto and help guide me as I work in his role at technician in the print studio. 

Dan’s spirit and memory live on in the studio.  He is greatly missed 

Daryl

Dan and I were studio mates at two different studios over twenty-five years. It was a pleasure to share space with Dan. He was always generous in allowing me to use his tables when my projects spilled beyond my work space. And he did many test pieces as examples for his students. They were a big focus in his life. It was always  great to have a chat when we crossed paths at the studio. 
We met when we were both on the board of Open Studio. He was level-headed and kind.
My sympathies to his family.
Yael Brotman

I considered Dan the heart and soul of the Print Media area at York University, where he was a technician and teacher over several decades. When I arrived at York as a new faculty member, Dan’s warm welcome set the tone for our working together as colleagues. I greatly appreciated his technical expertise and steadfast dedication to supporting print students. I will miss his irreverent sense of humour and our wide-ranging conversations — about Danish cuisine, Japanese film, the French River.
 
Much loved and missed.
 
Barbara Balfour,
Retired Professor, York University

I am very sad to hear of Dan's passing. Dan was a colleague of mine in the Printmaking Area at York University. Dan preceded me in the area by many years and I always looked to him for his generous sharing of knowledge and welcoming spirit. I am so very grateful to have worked along side of him for many years, and I am sure he is now in a peaceful place where the fishing is good.
with love and admiration,

David Armstrong
Faculty, York University

OBITUARY

Dan Bogh Olsen

22 March, 1955 – 29 May, 2026

Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes

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