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FRED LEONARD OLSON
March 2, 1931 ~ April 12, 2016
"Fred was a wonderful husband, father, and
good friend. He will be missed and never forgotten."
Fred Olson of Vancouver, WA, passed away April 12, 2016. He was born March 2, 1931 to Esther and Linus Olson in Portland, OR, later residing in Orchards, WA. Fred graduated from Union High School and went on to earn an Associate in Arts at Clark College in Vancouver and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Lewis and Clark in Portland. Later, Fred attended Harvard for Business Administration.
Fred served in the Navy for several years.
He was the President of Consolidate Metco and retired from Freightliner as the Vice-president of Manufacturing in Portland.
Fred was a charter member of the Elks and a member of the American Legion.
He loved traveling and golf and was a great fan of the Mariners and going to Arizona to watch spring training.
Fred is survived by his wife, Lois L. Olson; son, David L. Olson; step-children, Ray Zwahlen, Terry Marvin, Kathi Hall; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Sharon Olson (1995); and step-daughter, Cindy Gates.
Services will be Fri., April 22nd, 2016 at 12:30 p.m. at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Vancouver, WA.
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
We will never forget when we were travelling in the US in 1991 hoping to find our relatives with Swedish roots. It’s a long story but we were very lucky to meet Aunt Hilda who dialed up my father’s cousin Fred. Fred came over from Vancouver to Camas to meet with us. He took us on an unforgettable tour along Columbia River, Multnomah Falls, Mt Hood and many more. After that, we keep in contact for 25 years. One of the most memorable events was when Fred came to visit us in Sweden in year 2000 to see the homeland of his parents. Thanks to my father, we were able to travel through time and show Fred where his ancestors had resided. One highlight was the family reunion, when Fred had the opportunity to meet his Swedish relatives. Fred will live on in our memories. Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time. Eva (cousin’s daughter), John, Bengt (cousin), Ulla-Maj and Marianne (cousin).
Eva Nilsson
May 12, 2016
Met Fred in Hi School, Big guy with a big heart i used to run up to him in full football uniform , jump up and Fred would catch me, as he would any one in need. He later became a neighbor in Felida and a customer in Our little shop. Much love and memory here. RIP Fred. Prayers for comfort and healing for the family
Don Lutz
April 22, 2016
Met Fred in Orchards Grade School. Have very good memories of fun we had during summer and then High School. He was always fun to be with and a very
kind person.
My condolences to family.
Larry Jones
April 21, 2016
Except for the time when Fred had gone over to Con Met to be their President, Fred, basically had been my boss for most of my 26 years with Freightliner. He was a good man in almost any way you want to say it. He was a fair and reasonable person and good boss. I enjoyed being around him and joking with him. Most of the time he laughed at my jokes and he did a good job of putting up with my non-PC comments. Kate and I will always remember him and we will miss him. Our deepest condolences to Lois and the rest of the Olson family. Marty and Kate Price
April 21, 2016
May God give you comfort during this painful time. Love Maria
Maria Gonzalez-Leon
April 19, 2016
I worked with Fred at Freightliner for over 20 years. He was an outstanding executive, mentor, person, and friend. He always had time for any co-worker regardless of their title or positon. He will be missed but never forgotten. Prayers for his family.
Duane Burckhard
April 19, 2016
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Funeral services provided by:
Evergreen Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel1101 NE 112th Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98684
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