“You just lost the best friend you ever had.” That’s what a friend told me shortly after my own mom died some years ago. Mrs. Olson, Jon, and Jim joined me at her funeral. They’ve asked me to speak on their behalf about the memories we’ve shared of Lois Robertson Olson, who passed peacefully at home in Buckley just over a week ago.
My name is Bill Kombol and for half a dozen youthful years I found myself within the orbit of Lois and the Olson family. I called her Mrs. Olson as was the custom growing up back then. I’ll refer to her today as Lois, but to me, she will always be Mrs. Olson.
Lois was the mother of my best friend, Jim. During those impressionable years, many an hour was spent at the Olson home on Fell Street. We grew up in the greatest small town one could ever ask for––Enumclaw. And participated in all that cozy community had to offer: Cub Scouts, kite flying, baseball, tire swings, fishing, Vacation Bible School (co-taught by our Mothers), bicycling, swimming at Pete’s Pool, poker, candy stores, movie hall, parades, and summer fun. At the Olson homestead Jim typically played piano, Jon hung out, while little Kenny raced about. I soaked it all up.
In Enumclaw, Lois found the ideal neighborhood to raise her family. In her new hometown, she was quick to make friends which allowed her boys to develop lifelong friendships. Their Fell Street neighborhood was very similar to where she’d been raised in Aberdeen with classmates like Carmen Ainsworth, her best friend forever. Lois grew up in a close community of neighborhood and school friends – most notably her high school sweetheart, Ron Olson.
Lois will always be remembered for her extremely positive attitude, inspiring quick wit, and great sense of humor. Love, kindness, and patience were the primary means by which she taught her sons. She avoided punitive aspects of parenting through delegation. “Jim, wait till your father gets home!” That warning was directed at Jim far more than his brothers. While Jim learned lessons the hard way; Jon, who friends knowingly called “the Good Son,” learned by watching how Jim got into trouble. All Mom had to do was let Jon see the punishment that fell upon Jim and Jon quickly vowed, “I’ll never do that.”
Lois also had a way of calling Jim out about his propensity for B.S. – that is his ‘Belief System!’ As she patiently listened to Jim share his dreams and goals, Lois sensibly reminded him of his habit for procrastination and declared, “Well, you can certainly talk the talk.”
Everyone wanted to be close to Lois and to have her be a part of their lives. Jim remembers the time when one of Lois’s grandchildren mentioned, “I think the main reason my wife married me was for my Grandma.” Everybody in the family fully embraced that sentiment.
Lois lost Kenny, her youngest son in 1996. She lovingly cared for him at home during his final days. The Olson family had the same opportunity, as they took care of Lois at home in her last days in the exact same way.
Jim, Jon, and Kenny always knew they’d hit the “Mom Lottery” with Lois. In doing so, they chose the annuity option instead of a lump sum payout and enjoyed her continuing love through all the days of their lives. Heaven will soon win that Jackpot when Lois Olson arrives! It’s not a far stretch to imagine Lois telling God, “Just take care of everyone else. I’ll be just fine.”
Sweetness was her countenance and a smile was her charm. The loss we feel today is great and will never go away. It will fade in intensity and be replaced by the reflective glow of knowing she was a sacred part of our lives and that her spirit lives within. So true to her memory, we should each in some way find the better part of ourselves. Then take what is best and re-channel it, as Lois once did for us. And by doing so, perhaps some portion of her goodness will be passed along to another.
Allow me to conclude with one of Lois’ favorite sayings:
Good, Better, Best.
Never let it rest;
Till the good is better,
And the better best.
On behalf of Jim, Jon, and the entire Olson family, thank you for honoring the memory of Lois.
Service: December 19, 2018 ~ Calvary Presbyterian Church ~ Enumclaw.
Lois Olson’s Obituary
Lois Olson passed away peacefully at her home in Buckley with her family beside her on December 11, 2018. She was 90 years old. Born in Aberdeen, Washington on November 3, 1928, to James and Edna (Drake) Robertson, Lois was raised in Aberdeen, Washington and graduated from Weatherwax High School. Lois later moved to Enumclaw with high school sweetheart, Ron Olson, to raise their family.
She was a teaching assistant in Enumclaw and a caring homemaker, calling the plateau area home for 64 years. Like a true local she loved the Mariners and was a charter Seahawks ticket holder. Lois was an active member of Calvary Presbyterian Church, a Children’s Orthopedic Guild member, a master gardener, a member of the local quilter’s association, and a friend to all in her bridge, bunco, and canasta groups.
Lois is joined in Heaven with her husband Ron Olson, her son Ken Olson; and her brothers, Donald and James Robertson. Those who continue loving Lois are her sons, Jim (Lana) Olson of Hoquiam, WA, and Jon (Bari) Olson of Buckley, WA, four beautiful grandchildren, nine treasured great-grandchildren ( who knew her as Grandma Great), along with cousins, nephews, and nieces.
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Kenneth Olson of Enumclaw died Dec. 14, 1995. He was 35.
He was born in Enumclaw July 20, 1960, and graduated from Enumclaw High School in 1978. After graduation, he toured with the America Sings group. At Central Washington University, he toured with Central Swingers and sang at the World’s Fair in Knoxville, Tennessee. He graduated from Central in 1983.
He is survived by his parents, Ron and Lois Olson of Enumclaw; brothers James Olson and his wife. Ruth, of Cosmopolis, Washington, and Jon Olson and his wife, Bari of Buckley; and by numerous nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A memorial service was held Monday at Weeks’ Enumclaw Funeral Home. The Rev. Charles Lewis of Calvary Presbyterian Church conducted the service. Burial followed at Evergreen Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to Enumclaw Aid Car, 1330 Wells, Enumclaw, WA 98022; or American Diabetes Association, 557 Roy Street, Seattle, WA 98109.
Kenny’s obituary appeared in the Dec. 20, 1995 Enumclaw Courier-Herald, page D-2.
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Ronald Richard Olson, a Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War, died March 25, 1997. He was 68 years old and lived in Enumclaw.
Olson was born Sept. 23, 1928 in Aberdeen. He worked for Dwight Garrett at the Garrett Enumclaw Company for 43 years, where he sold skidders for use in the logging industry. He was a member of the VFW and the U.S. Marines Support Group, and was a charter member of the Evergreen Chapter of the First Marine Division Association.
Olson was an avid sports fan, and enjoyed following the Seattle Mariners and Seattle Seahawks. He and his wife, Lois, were married 47 years.
He was preceded in death by his son Kenneth Olson in 1995. Ron Olson is survived by his wife, Lois, of Enumclaw; sons James Olson and wife, Ruth Sholes of Cosmopolis, Washington, and Jon Olson and wife, Bari of Buckley; and two grandsons. He is also survived by a sister, Esther Matthews of Aberdeen. Funeral services were Saturday at Weeks’ Enumclaw Funeral Home. Internment was at Evergreen Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the Enumclaw Aid Unit.
Ron’s obituary appeared in the April 2, 1997 Enumclaw Courier-Herald, page C-2.
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Jon Allen Olson passed away in June 6, 2020 at age 64.
Jon Allen Olson passed away peacefully in his home on June 6th. Jon was born December 1st 1955, to Ron and Lois Olson in Enumclaw and graduated in 1974. He married the love of his life Bari Heins and they raised their two sons, Johan Paul and Matthew, in Buckley where Jon was proud to serve his community as a fire fighter for 25 years. He retired from the Army Corps of Engineers after 33 years.
He cherished spending time and making memories with family and friends. He was a devoted Seahawk fan from the beginning. He spent his retirement continuing to create in his woodshop, playing with his six grandchildren, digging clams, flying kites, working in the yard, camping, traveling and relaxing at the beach with his beloved bride of 43 years.
Jon is survived by his wife Bari, son Johan (Mandi), son Matthew (Elizabeth), brother Jim (Lana), his six adored grandchildren and several nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents Ron and Lois and brother Ken. His determination to always do right, along with his kind heart and sweet smile will be dearly missed. People are encouraged to share stories of Jon in any way possible.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Buckley Firefighters Association 611 S Division St, Buckley, WA 98321
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