Thomas Eric Olson

Thomas Eric Olson was born outside Chicago on December 22, 1952. He was the third son of Gilbert William Olson and Marjorie Mary (Keane). He and his four brothers had many adventures with their parents, traveling to numerous national parks. He graduated from Lincoln Way High School in New Lennox, IL. In 1973, he married his sweetie Janice Marie (Froio). They began their life together in Midlothian, IL, eventually moving to the Seattle area where they raised two daughters.

Tom, Jan and their girls enjoyed countless outings together. Hiking, biking, skiing, boating, and exploring the world were some favorites. Many weekends were spent at their summer home on Blue Lake, in Eastern Washington, and later in the Phoenix area where he relished the warmth and the sun.

Tom stopped repairing cars (his original vocation) long ago and thrived as a service manager and mentor, first at Bellevue Auto Rebuild, later at Bowen Scarff Ford, and finally for the Ford/Hyundai of Kirkland and Seattle Dealerships. Tom and Jan both retired in December of 2019.

Tom loved learning and was always reading -- especially history and politics. He had a special ability to see the world's bigger systems and put it all together in meaningful ways. He was opinionated, but fair. Many sought his critical thinking and thoughtfulness. He died suddenly while enjoying life fully. He touched countless lives and will be deeply missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brother John Olson. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 48 years, Jan; daughters Megan Morrow (Craig) and Erika Olson (Andy Bui) and granddaughters Eloise and Geneva Morrow. He also leaves with brothers Gilbert Jr. (Patricia), David (Paul Gray), and Christopher Keane (Karen). He also leaves behind many cousins, nephews and nieces.

Remembrances in Tom's name may be donated to the Nation Parks Foundation.