Obituary for James Dale Olson James “Dale” “Oly” Olson was born October 8, 1935, in a tiny corner of northeast Montana, where he would spend his formative years on the family farm in Dooley. He was one of seven children, and attended school in Comertown. He graduated as the salutatorian in a class of three.
(He liked to leave the class size out when he shared his expectations with us. ) Being a Comertown Coyote was definitely on the highlight reel of his life. On July 11, 1959, Dale married Rita Meyer, and over the next 7 years, they had 4 children, Sandy (Russ), Shelley, Sherry (Kevin) and Jim (Debbie).
Dale had 8 grandchildren, Chad (Danielle), Melissa, Jeff (Tara), Casey (Lara), Molly (Darren), Ben, Mitch and Zac. He also had 12 great grandchildren: Bryson, Addi, Callum, Chase, Riley, Ethan, Aubrey, Evan, Khloe, Silas, Leah, and Asher. In 1962, he moved with his family to Anaconda, Montana to pursue a Norge Village Cleaning business, knowing that in a mining town, there would be lots of dirty laundry.
As his family grew, Dale decided to go to work in construction, so in 1967, he began a trade that grew into a very successful lifetime career that he loved. His handiwork can be seen in the many homes, cabins, and buildings in Anaconda and surrounding areas. During this time, he also mentored and trained many young men in the community to do things the “Oly” way, both in construction and life.
When you met Dale, you knew you wanted to see him again. He was so interesting because he was interested in others. His smile lit up a room; everyone who met dad said “I just love your dad,” whether they’d spent 5 minutes with him, or 5 days.
In 1995, after a fun class reunion cruise, Dale said good bye to the love of his life. He spent 23 years without mom, and in his last days spoke of how excited he was to be reunited with her. Dale retired in 2003, and headed to Plentywood to be closer to his mom, four sisters and a brother.
He spent the last 2 years of his mother’s life having coffee with her every morning. Dad valued family over everything. In 2009, he purchased a home in Tucson, a block from Sandy, and became a “snowbird”.
He loved the warmth of the sun, and he felt better physically. He would spend summers touring between Spokane, WA, Moscow, ID, Helena, MT and Plentywood, MT. Dad lived through many health challenges, and in the end, his congestive heart failure combined with kidney failure, would not allow him to have the quality of life he desired.
Dad died peacefully in his Arizona home, and joined our mom in heaven on April 21, 2018. He is preceded in death by his parents, a younger brother, and many dear friends. Along with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, he is survived by his sisters Betty, Marge and her husband Luke, Vonnie, and Barb, and his brother Terry.
Also surviving are mom’s brothers Gene and Marv, her sister Charlotte, and sister-in-law Connie. Dad was a favorite uncle to many surviving nieces and nephews. Please join us for a celebration of his life on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Anaconda, Montana.
A luncheon will follow. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James Dale Olson please visit our Sympathy Store. Upcoming Events Celebration of Life 2018 MAY 12.
10:30 AM Holy Family Catholic Church 217 W Pennsylvania Ave Anaconda, MT, US, 59711 Order Flowers for the Celebration of Life Guaranteed delivery before James’ Celebration of Life begins.
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