John Elmer Olson

Upon graduating from high school, John enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a Motor Machinist’s Mate in the engine room of a minesweeper in the South Pacific Theater. His ship arrived in Nagasaki harbor just 2 weeks after the dropping of the Atomic bombs that ended WWII.

Following the war he attended Washington State University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. John met University of Idaho student, Carol Isabella Fugate in 1949. They were married in 1951. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters, Cynthia and Linda. They settled in the Parkrose area and John worked as a design engineer for Hyster Company. In 1970, John was hired by Cascade Corporation as the Manager of New Concept and Design. A true gear head, John developed over 40 patents during his career before retiring at age 67.

John was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church for 61 years where he served as an Elder, Deacon and volunteered on many committees. John served on the Parkrose School Board for 15 years and was Chairman in 1974. John enjoyed snow skiing, sailing as a member at Willamette Sail Club, playing bridge and was a lifelong member of the Masonic Lodge #24 in Yakima, WA. He was also a member of Fern Prairie Modelers, Portland Prime Timers, and many Professional Engineering associations, remaining active in all until the time of his passing.

John and Carol had an insatiable travel bug. They traveled together to Spain, Portugal, Greece, Sweden, Norway, Germany and France. Later, after Carol’s sudden passing in 1989, John began traveling with friends, including grade school friend Leona Linde, and with travel groups. He also traveled individually with each grandchild, two on African Safaris and one to China. In the last two years John also traveled individually with Linda and Greg to Eastern Europe in 2011 and most recently with Cynthia and Chanel to Russia, returning only 14 days before his passing. His worldly travels included visiting 38 countries.

John is survived by his daughters, Cynthia Sturm (Bill), Linda Rowles (Greg), and three grandchildren, Colin Rowles, Kevin Rowles, and Chanel Sturm, all of Beaverton, OR. John was predeceased by his wife of 38 years, Carol I. Fugate Olson, in 1989. John is also survived by his brother, Robert M. (Mel) Olson (Vicki) of Moses Lake, WA, 2 nieces, Pam (Dave) Sharp of Utah and Janice (Alan)Jordan of Washington, and 2 nephews, Glenn ( Sylvia) Haegele and Jay ( Judi) Haegele both of California.

A Memorial Service, followed by a reception, will be held on Thursday, August 29, 2013, 10:30 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1624 N.E. Hancock, Portland, OR, 97212. A private committal service was held at Willamette National Cemetery with full Military Honors. Remembrances may be sent to Westminster Presbyterian Church or The Arthritis Foundation, 9700 Capitol Hwy., Portland, OR, 97219.