Col. Arthur S. Olson (Ret).

WWII Pilot, Colonel Arthur S. Olson, Ret., slipped the surly bonds of earth for the last time on 28 August 2014 with his daughter and caregivers at his side. He was born 23 March 1924 to Ellen C. (Carlson) and Arthur S. Olson of Windsor, Calif. and was raised there on a chicken ranch until junior high school when the family moved to San Francisco. He graduated from Horace Mann Junior High and Mission High Schools and enlisted into the army and subsequently the army air corps. After various training assignments in Montana, California, and Colorado, he was stationed in England, Egypt, and Italy with the Eighth and Fifteenth Air Forces, flying combat missions in both the B-17 (age 20) and the B-25.

Art married Beatrice E. Erickson on 31 July 1948 after going to the same schools in San Francisco. After nearly sixty years of marriage, Bea succumbed to complications of Parkinson's disease in August 2007.

From 1950-1979, he was a Merced, then Marin County California Highway Patrolman, which included becoming one of the first air traffic patrol officers. That career was often interrupted by various tours of duty with the US Air Force, beginning with the Korean War. His air force career took him around the world, including the many hot spots of the time like Viet Nam. His principle unit during that time was the Golden Gate Wing, 349 AMW, where he flew well over 5000 accident free hours in the C-124, C-133, and the C-141. Ironically it was the Pueblo Crisis in Korea during 1968 that was his last extended recall to active duty. He flew 26 different planes over his AF career and was also a test pilot for some. He retired from the Air Force Reserve in 1973.

As a youngster, he spent his summers at Black Point along the Petaluma River with his great grandfather August Olson who had been a Swedish Ship Captain. While living in Novato for nearly sixty years, he was a member of the American Legion Twin Cities Post 313, Novato Druids Grove #113, SIRS Branch 122, the Retired Officers Association, Marin Military Officers of America, Bay Area Peace Officers, International Footprinters Chapter 15, Novato Horsemens Inc., Petaluma Riding & Driving Club, Marin Chapter Calif. Retired Employees Assn. and Klampers ECV and the Novato Senior Center. He held leadership positions and was a life member in several of them.

In his retirement years, Art and Bea enjoyed many cruises and travels to Alaska, Mexico and Europe. Visiting both of their familie’s relatives in Sweden and Finland was always a highlight of their adventures.

Art is survived by his children Major Arthur (Teresa) Olson, Jr. of Colorado Springs, CO, Jeanne (Wayne Steele) of Bonanza, OR, and Nancy (Jerry Cuff) of Glendale, Or; grandchildren TSgt Matthew (Erin) Olson, Amanda Hernandez (Scott), Evan Olson, MSGT Dale (MSGT Jayde) Dukes, and Robert (Sarah) Bishop, and great grandchildren Darby, Slade, Berkleigh, Branden, and Coleman. He was preceded in death by his great granddaughter Olive in 2013.

Special thanks to caregivers Lucy Nele and Soko, and to his special friend, Maxine Cohen, for making his later life as comfortable as possible.

A Celebration of Art’s Life, western-style, will be held at Novato Horsemen’s Clubhouse, 600 Bugeia Lane at 2:45pm on Saturday, October 18th. Included will be Military and CHP honors. Donations may be made to the American Legion Twin Cities Post 313, Novato JROTC, The Marine Mammal Center or to your favorite charity. More info: [email protected].