Jerry Olson

He was born in the prairie town of Berlin, ND on November 12, 1928, to Carl and Lovina Olson. After graduating from high school in LaMoure, ND in 1946, Virgil continued his education at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX, where he earned both a Bachelors and a Masters of Arts in Sociology. These achievements led him to pursue doctoral studies in Sociology at Washington State University in Pullman, WA, obtaining his PhD in 1960. Virgil then went on to Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA, spending the majority of his career as chairman of the Department of Sociology.

Upon retirement in 1992, Virgil lived in several cities along Puget Sound, where he took an active interest in volunteering and the arts. His fondest memories of volunteer work were with organizations such as Lifelong AIDS Alliance, the Northwest AIDS Foundation, and Bailey-Boushay House, where he was proud to serve lunch once a week. Seattle Opera ranked highest among his artistic interests - in addition to being a season ticket holder, he was also an active member of the Opera Guild and Amiche Dell'Opera.

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Viola; his brother, Carl Junior; and his companion, Mr. Dale Stockham.