Richard Olson

Rick Olson passed away on Monday morning, January 10th at his residence at the age of 80.  Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Curtis and Esther Olson, Rick graduated from Patrick Henry High School and served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany.  Returning home, he graduated from Brown Institute of Broadcasting in Minneapolis and later returned to teach and to create the curriculum for their newscasting course.  Later in life he returned to be a recruiter for the school.  His first air work was in Eau Claire, Wisconsin at WEAU.   He became a newscaster for WIRE Radio in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he met his future wife, Ginny Brizzi.  He returned to Minneapolis to become a news editor and news announcer at WCCO-FM in 1973, its founding year.  He moved on to public relations at Rainbolt & Brown PR as an account executive.  Upon retiring and moving to Wilmington, NC and out of the cold weather, he did commercial/industrial voiceover work for training films and other video formats.  Recently he joined his wife, Ginny, in becoming a medical transcriptionist thanks to his long history of interviewing people of all accents and from all countries in his news work.  He continued in that role until his passing.

Rick was an avid golfer and enjoyed his weekly golf games with his friends.  He brought his wit, creativity and talent to the annual H2O (Hopps, Harman, Olson) Family Golf Gala since 1977.

Rick leaves behind the memory of his remarkable voice as well as his kindness and humor.  He is sorely missed by his wife, Ginny Brizzi.  He also leaves behind his son, David (Gerri) Olson, daughter Karin (Brian) Gott, grandchildren Joseph Olson, Jessica (Kellen) Enright, Meghan (Mike) Perry, Aidan Gott and first great grandchild due in July 2022. 

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters Janet Harman and Joanne Hopps and brother-in-law Albert Harman.  He is survived by his brother-in-law Jack Hopps.  Rick was known as “Uncle Rick” to many including Mark (Doreen) Hopps, Todd (Melody) Hopps, Greg (Sarah Jane) Harman, Kristi Potter and Kathryn Forrest.

According to his wishes, there will be no formal funeral service.  A Celebration of Life will be held at the 45th Annual H2O Family Golf Tournament dedicated to him in Minnesota this September.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Andrews Mortuary, Wilmington.  Please sign the online Guestbook at www.andrewsmortuary.com