Donald M. Olson

Olson and Ruth Irene (Lossing) Olson, on July 22nd, 1950. He had four brothers:

Edward, Scott, Rick, and Ted and one sister Jacki. Don attended McKay

Elementary, Whitford Junior High, and graduated from Beaverton High

School.

Don was married to Karen Anderson on November 1, 1981 at the old church in

Sellwood, Oregon. The two met at the Silver Palace in Tigard, while they were

there watching a mutual friend perform in a band. Don and Karen separated in

1999, though remained close friends till the end.

Don was also an amazing father to daughters Andrea and Amber. He started a

re-upholstery business in the garage of the family home so that he could work

and remain near his family. His love continued on to encompass his grandchildren

and he was thankful for every moment that he got to spend with them. He was

devoted to his family and loved them so much.

Don was a lifelong resident of the Portland Metro Area, with the exception of a

four year period from 2005 to 2009 when he resided in Bend, Oregon with his

daughter Amber and Son-in-Law Kevin. In May of 2010, Don moved to Seaside,

Oregon where he lived at Necanicum Village, an assisted living community,

which allowed him to continue his passion for independence.

From a very young age Don had an ever growing love for cars and airplanes. It has

been said that Don liked to go fast and was always eager to share about his

adventures. He lived his life with passion and with little fear of death.

His absolute favorite car over the years was his ’28 Ford Roadster Pickup. Don

also held a private pilot’s license and flew his own airplane recreationally. The

story goes that he learned how to re-upholster aircraft in exchange for piloting

lessons.

Don also enjoyed fishing, but it has been said that he “couldn’t catch a fish to save

his life.” There are many fishing trip stories that do not include the catching of a

fish but do tell of Don falling into the water where the “fishing” was

taking place.

His preferred genre of music was country (as long as there wasn’t too much

“twang”) and his favorite form of movie and television entertainment was

“anything western.” Some of his favorites were John Wayne, Clint Eastwood,

and Gun Smoke.

Don had an artistic mind and an aptitude for solid three dimensional design which

served him well in his chosen line of work. He was a talented artist and he

produced amazing cartoon caricatures and drawings. Don was also an animal

lover with a passion for bird watching. He even hung a number of bird feeders

around Necanicum Village so that his friends and fellow residents could share in

the joys of watching them.

Don will always be remembered as a “friend to all.” Any person who ever met

him loved him instantly. Don truly cherished just being near and sharing good

times with his friends and family. He always wanted to lend a helping hand and to

be of aid or assistance to everyone in every way. Don’s mission was to

help people “whether they liked it or not.” He always put the wants and needs

of others before his own, and his goal was simply to make people smile and be

happy. He was very generous and giving to his family, long-time friends, and even

the people he just met. He was known as “The Spirit of Necanicum Village.” Don

will also be remembered for living a life of courage and determination. For the

last 25 years these qualities helped Don in his daily fight with Parkinson’s disease.

Don is survived by Amber and Kevin Labins of Tigard, Andrea and Kyle

Weisheimer of Walnut Creek, Edward “Butch” Olson of San

Antonio, Scott Olson of Hillsboro, Jacki McMahon of Tualatin, Rick Olson of

Carlton and Ted Olson of Hillsboro. As well as by his former wife, Karen Olson of

Tigard and grandchildren, Tristan and Myla Weisheimer, Rayna, Kayden and

Ashlynn Labins and by an innumerable amount of family members and close

friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held in memory of Don on November 22nd, 2014 at

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (11065 SW North Dakota St.,

Tigard, OR 97223) at 2:00pm. Please visit Don’s internet memorial and online

guestbook at www.skylinememorialgardens.com.

Don will be privately laid to rest in Skyline Memorial Gardens of Portland, Oregon.

Remembrances in lieu of flowers may be made to Parkinson’s disease research.