C. Ken Kenneth Olson

C. Kenneth Olson, aged 60 of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Saturday, December 11, 2010 after an 11 year battle with prostate cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Tonny Olson. He is survived by his wife of 37 years Meg Olson (Crigier); his daughters Lisa (Dan) Cooper, Kelly Olson (Dave Cichon); his granddaughters Audrey and Lylah Cooper (whom he referred to as his "best medicine"); brothers Don (Mary Beth) Olson of Grand Rapids and Lennart (Eivor) Olsson of Sweden. Ken was eagerly anticipating the arrival of 2 additional grandchildren in the spring of 2011. Ken graduated from Northview High School in 1968 and Grand Valley State College in 1973. He was well respected in the mortgage industry in Grand Rapids for more than 30 years, most recently retiring from Chemical Bank. Ken skied the mountains of Colorado, visited friends and family in Sweden, raced his own sailboat (Midnight Sun) and crewed several others along the shores of Lake Michigan, made numerous crossings of Lake Michigan to Sheboygan, WI with the Burromasters sailing group, loved listening to John Denver, enjoyed cocktail hour with close company, and more recently made pens and knives in his backyard work shop with friends. He truly loved being with his family and friends, and no matter how you came to know him, Ken was sure to make you a member of one of those two groups. To know Ken was to know what a charming, charismatic, witty, and compassionate soul he was. One conversation could make you a friend for life, and he will be sorely missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, and all the others he met along the way. The family is grateful for the care given by Dr. Huissen, Dr. Brinker, Dr. Casamento, and Hospice of Michigan and their staff for all of their support and assistance. We are especially grateful for the care and concern Ken himself showed for others during his final days. Please raise a glass and say Skål to Ken Olson who will never be forgotten. Visitation will be at Reyers North Valley Chapel from 2-4 and 6:30-8:30 on Tuesday, December 14, and one hour before the service which will be at 11a.m. on Wednesday, December 15 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2700 E. Fulton S.E with Rev. Paul Krupinski officiating. Memorial contribution may be made to one’s charity of choice.