Obituary of Don L. Olson

Donald Libbey Olson, 91, joined his parents, siblings and son Tim in Heaven on Friday, December 4, 2020.  He died peacefully at home, surrounded by family.  Don was born in Seattle, Washington, on October 2, 1929, to Herman Alfred and Annie (Libbey) Olson, joining brother, Herman “Red” Olson, and sister, Margaret "Sis" (Olson) Berschauer.

Don was a hardworking man who loved to tell stories, many of which began with his youth employment at the Capitol and Liberty (Olympic) Theaters and delivering newspapers in and around “Little Hollywood,” a shantytown around Capitol Lake during the Great Depression.  Don joined the Merchant Marines at a tender age, traveling to India, Japan and other countries.  He loved his time in the service and meeting up with his brother “Red” in Japan during WWII. 

Don shared many a story of logging the redwoods in California, long-hauling across the U.S., and driving many years in both Washington and Alaska.  He also labored in the mills and worked a short time as a longshoreman. Don was most proud of his years driving in Alaska (1973-1987), where he was one of the “original” Ice Road Truckers who hauled heavy loads back and forth to Prudhoe Bay and the Kuparuk River Oil Field.  Don’s fellow Teamster truckers named him the “Ice Man,” after finding him covered with ice, while changing six flat tires on the Haul Road.  Don hauled a lot of 80-foot sections of 48-inch pipe used in the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. He spoke very fondly of his times and friends in Alaska, especially remembering Owen Walker, Dave Thompson, Don Trussel, and Howard Hale.  Don was a proud Teamster who never knew a stranger.  He could spin a yarn a mile wide and tell stories (many true) that would literally raise the hairs on the back of your neck. 

Don met and married Marie “Mickey” Bjornsen on August 12, 1950 in Olympia, Washington.  Together they had five children and are survived by four, Corinne (Frank Hamilton) Olson Tobeck, Harry Olson, Chuck Olson, and Donetta (Louis) Olson Matautia; eight grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.  Don is also survived by his beloved kitty, “Bizzer,” and many extended family members.  Don and Mickey divorced in 1978.  He later married and divorced Carolyn Carlson of Fairbanks, adding a step-daughter Kelly (Carlson) Altee to the family.  His last love of 20+ years, Delores Tripp, predeceased him in 2011.  He also is predeceased by his son, Tim Olson (1982).

Don is buried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery located in Tumwater, Washington, alongside his parents, brother and sister.

Dad’s favorite saying was “Daddy’s can do anything!”  You were right, Dad, “Daddies can do anything and you did, right to the very end!!!”  Thank you, Dad, for everything.  Love and miss you so very much!!!! You were the best!!!!

Please join Don's family in celebrating his life.  Bring and share your memories, stories and pictures.  Don would like this to be a happy time of celebration.

Monday, May 31, 2021 - 1:00 p.m.

9407 Delphi Road SW

Olympia, WA 98512

 

 

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