Kenyon Dee Olson

Kenyon was born on April 20, 1940. He was the first child of Russell and Urada Olson, followed by his siblings, Kay and Val. They were raised in Boone, Iowa.

As a child, Ken worked alongside his dad at Blairsburg School, cleaning, painting, and keeping the grounds. Ken and Val would work together at the school during the summers.

Ken graduated from Prairie City High School, class of 1958. During his high school years, Ken worked for a car dealership, cleaning and detailing. In 1961 he had a 1960 Ford Falcon that he drove from Prairie City, Iowa to Portland, Oregon to visit family. It was this trip that made him fall in love with the Pacific Northwest. In 1963 he made the drive again with his brother and sister, they loved seeing the trees.

In 1964, Ken was one of the first customers to order the new Ford Mustang. It was royal blue with a white convertible top, 4 speed with duals, he was so proud. In late 1964 he took his grandmother, Freda, to Oregon in his new ride. He returned home for just 5 days, and decided Oregon was the place for him so he moved. He stayed with the Tokstad family and began work as a welder with the Gunderson brothers. Christmas of 1964, Ken’s family missed him so they sent him money to come home for the holiday.

In July 1966, Ken met Kathryn Guffey at the beach at Rooster Rock. July 8, 1967 they were married at St. Albans in Tillamook.

They began their family in July of 1968 when their first son, Mark Daniel, was born. In November 1973, Roger Dean would complete their family. Ken and Kathy raised their family in Gresham, Oregon. Ken was a welding inspector until his retirement.

Ken loved being involved in his church and spent many years making cross necklaces and many other hand-crafted items.

Ken and Kathy spent many wonderful years being snow birds and enjoying their condo in Mesa, Arizona. He loved time with their family, and watching their granddaughters grow up.

Ken was a spitfire who enjoyed laughing and having fun.

Ken and Kathy resided at Avamere Sandy.

Ken is survived by his wife, Kathy; two sons, Mark and Roger; two daughters-in-law, Tamara and Nicole; 2 granddaughters and their spouses, Mackenzie and Justin, and Kelsey and Renner.