Blair Olson

Blair was born at Holy Redeemer Hospital in Meadowbrook, PA to parents, David Carl and Judith Ann Olson (nee Hughes). He graduated from Upper Moreland High School in 1986. He continued his education, graduating from West Chester University with a Bachelor of Science degree in music education, in 1990.

Blair went on to establish a distinguished career as a music teacher, working for Methacton High School, Overbrook School for the Blind, and at a middle school in the Lower Merion School District before starting at Ewing High School, Ewing, NJ, in September of 1993. He was employed by Ewing Township for 30 years and recognized as Ewing Township’s Teacher of the Year by the New Jersey Department of Education in 2013. Blair taught music lessons at Lore Elementary School his last 2 years at Ewing before retiring from teaching in June of 2023. He then started a new career as a school bus driver for Krise Transportation in the Bristol Township School District. He enjoyed driving students on the bus and planned to return when he was well.

During his tenure at Ewing High School, Blair directed various parts of the music program with a particular focus on the marching band, concert band, and orchestra. Under his guidance, participation in the band program increased from about 20 students when he started to approximately 100 students. The Ewing Music Parents Organization (TEMPO) grew, and the students took various trips across the country to perform on behalf of the school and represent the Ewing Community. Under his leadership, the marching band became more involved in community functions, such as performing in the annual 4th of July parade, Ewing Community Day and as part of the annual “Operation Dreamlift” send-off sponsored by the Mercer County Chapter of the Sunshine Foundation at the Trenton-Mercer Airport. His love of teaching and mentoring extended beyond his professional career; he had a profound impact on countless students, inspiring and guiding them with patience, humor, and wisdom.

Blair enjoyed spending time with his family and his daily chats with his siblings. He enjoyed looking at and dreaming about owning a sports car one day and lived vicariously through his brother, Randy, in that regard. He had various interests and hobbies throughout the years, such as amateur radio, remote controlled vehicles, collecting watches and the most-recent digital/electronic device he called “productivity tools,” but his main interest was making music and teaching students how to communicate through the language of music.

Music was Blair’s life. He loved jamming out with his fellow musicians outside of school and found joy in the shared creativity and camaraderie that came with making music together. Over the years he performed with various musical groups including area big bands and jazz combos, musical pit orchestras for high school and community productions, Tri-County Band of Feasterville, Delaware Valley Philharmonic Orchestra and even subbed a few times with the Trenton Symphony Orchestra, now called the Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey. He performed with a Praise Band for Bethel Church Philadelphia Mills and Levittown Christian Church, where he has been a member since 2005.

Blair taught his students not only how to make sounds with an instrument but how to bring out the best in themselves and express that through music. The study of any subject, including a musical instrument, takes discipline. He often mentioned what a great feeling of accomplishment it was when a student came back after years after graduation and thanked him for instilling that discipline and work ethic into them during band or orchestra. Performing with a group also takes listening to yourself and others and playing as a cohesive ensemble. He practiced what he preached and listened to his students and provided a “safe haven” in the IMR (Instrumental Music Room) for many students who needed someone to talk to. Again, many former students have thanked him for giving them a place to belong. He truly took the time to know all his students and to provide a fun, memorable and educational experience for them.

His sense of humor, thoughtfulness, and kind soul left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. Blair’s laughter and warmth made the world a better place, and his legacy of love, music, and kindness will be cherished forever.

Blair was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert Milton and Margaret Ann Olson (nee Lewis) formerly of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Arthur Hugh and Selma Alvina Hughes (nee Olafson) formerly of Wayazta, Minnesota.

Blair is survived by his spouse, Anissa (nee Conklin), his sons, David “DJ” and Tim, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. David and Judy (nee Hughes) Olson, Hatboro, PA, his brothers and their wives, Mr. and Mrs. Todd and Jessica (nee Fox) Olson, Doylestown, PA and Mr. and Mrs. Randy and Lauren (nee Strong) Olson, Charlotte, North Carolina, and his sister and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Rob and Jennifer Lankin, Lansdale, PA, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Friends and relatives may call at the James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, 2200 Trenton Road, Levittown, PA 19056 on January 2, 2025 from 5:00 until 7:00 PM and on January 3, 2025 from 9:00 until 11:00 AM. There will be a funeral service immediately following at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Blair’s name may be made to Donate Life America or Gift of Life Donor Program to promote the importance of organ donation; including the education and recruitment for live donors.