I knew Mr. Olson as a Freshman and Sophomore at Clements in the 1985-86 school years.  I was a young man that was struggling with many things in my life, and had began to turn to drugs.  I was pulled into his office one day and asked about my situation.  I lied and denied having any issues but knew that he knew better.   A few days later, I was pulled in to speak with him again, and this time, I felt comfortable to opening up and speaking to him.  I shared everything with him and he never talked down to me or ever passed judgment as if I was anything less than anyone else.  He was very easy to talk to and always encouraged me to share with him.  He offered me a friend to talk to, yet provided the guidance of a father.  We had these conversations fairly regularly and he was always a welcoming audience.  To my knowledge, he never shared anything we discussed with anyone.  I changed schools starting my Junior year and steered clear of drugs ever since.  The kindness Mr. Olson offered me by giving his time to listen and provide guidance, made a huge difference in my life.  He was great man, very kind with a great sense of humor.  I just learned of his passing today.  I pray for peace for his family and offer my condolences to you all.

I worked at Clements High School for 10 years. I was the attendance clerk there, so Larry was my supervisor. We struggled through new computers, new programs, state requirements, and he was always willing to help me get the tedious state reports done, even if we had to stay later than school hours. We had fun times at work, also. Larry was a very private person, but I always enjoyed talking with him and enjoyed his humor. He was a very caring and giving person.  
The last time I saw him was about 8 yrs ago when I visited Sugarland after moving to Oregon. Myself and another co-worker called him and we met for lunch at a favorite burger place.  Larry  was a very special person and always had time for other people. 

Sincere condolences to Mr. Olson's family - he was always a true friend to all he knew.  We were at Clements High School together, when I was the Lead Custodian. He will be missed. May He Rest In Peace.

I will always remember Mr. Olsen for his sense of humor and for his patience with me. He was my Economics teacher and for some reason I just could not grasp anything. He tried his best and then on final day he stayed late while I struggled with the test.  I passed....but I just keep remembering him telling me that he knew that I knew it...I just had to try my best.  That stayed with me forever.  He could make you learn and most of all he loved his career and he made learning fun.  His laugh was so infectious!  Prayers for all of his friends and family.

Larry was my economics teacher when I was in high school at Westbury in 1969.  He and my sister, Jennie, taught together at Westbury in the early 70’s and found out they were next door neighbors.  Larry and Jennie’s then boyfriend, later husband, became very good friends as did Jennie and Larry.  Our family has so many great memories of Larry from times at Galveston, to family trips, to playing bridge with mom and dad in their later years.  Larry and LeRoy loved their times together in Galveston.  They would be up early in the morning, starting the day with their happy music, a beer in their hand, and working on whatever monumental task they had decided for that day.  You could hear their discussing and laughing throughout the day.  Many a time they would head out in The Cork to explore and conquer territories unknown in Galveston Bay.  Larry became the older brother to Jennie and I and a son to my parents.  Larry never met a stranger and will long be remembered for his wit, smile, and laughter.  His house has always been a gathering place for family and friends.  We gather together one last time to honor his life.

Larry was a dear friend and long time neighbor for years. We had so much fun as neighbors cracking jokes and laughing all the time. We always enjoyed taking Larry our big home made meals whenever we would BBQ. He loved  his classic cars. I will always cherish that day he invited me to take his classic convertible for a spin with the top down. He let me drive. It was wonderful. We love Larry very much and will miss him dearly. Our prayers go out to all his family. 
The Prince family

Though  I didn't get to spend much time with Larry over the years I always enjoyed the times we did get to visit. We'd get to see him when he came up to Minot, ND with his dad to visit his aunt Thelma (my grandma). My most vivid memory was when I was a teenager and  spent a week or two in Houston and Galveston with Larry, his dad, and his sister Barbara. His laid back demeanor and sense of humor were always enjoyable. I was so glad he and Barbara got to Minot for Kayla's wedding a couple years ago. It was so fun visiting with them.  My sympathies to Barbara and her family.

Brian Berg
Minot, ND

Mr. Olson was one of a kind! A genuine “Good Guy” I was a Clements HS graduate  class of 1993. Before my father passed in 1990 I was being a punk freshman. He pulled me into his office and instead of calling my parents or my coaches, he talked to me! He got to the bottom of why I was acting out.  He gave me his phone and his office and let me call my Dad who was at the VA hospital. He didn’t give me any punishment and he didn’t make me go back to class he just let me hear my Dads voice. For that I will be forever grateful! God bless you Mr. Olson. 

He has always been part of our life.  From sharing his Galveston house,  seeing our family growth,  lisening to Katherine talk when was a totter, giving us ride in his newest card last time we visit Houston,  to coming to Minot for Kayla ‘s weading.  A very special family member that will always be in our hearts.  Love you always.  

I have so many wonderful memories of Larry. I moved to Houston and lived with "Cousin" Larry in 1986.  He is the reason I met my wife Rosa.
One memory I will never forget is him pushing his brother In Law Charlie Simon in the swimming pool at my wedding reception in his suit and tie and then knowing he was in trouble and jumping in the pool in his suit before Charlie had a chance to do the honors.

OBITUARY

Lawrence John Olson Jr.

January 31, 1944 – July 25, 2018

Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home & Forest Park Lawndale

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