Sidney Albert Olson

Sidney Albert Olson was born August 19, 1941 in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota to Sidney Donald and Florence Evelena (Milsten) Olson. They moved to Washington State in 1942, where Sid was raised on Steilacoom Lake in the Lakewood area of Tacoma. Growing up, he loved to water ski and play pick-up basketball. He graduated from Clover Park High School in 1959 and (with wife, Ann, Class of 1960) enjoyed helping plan many class reunions. He graduated from the University of Puget Sound in 1964, where he was a member of the SAE Fraternity. Also during his time in college, he served in the Washington National Guard. While at graduate school, Sid married Elizabeth “Ann” Jones on January 23, 1965 in University Place. Beginning in 1965, Sid worked in Seattle for Boeing as an Industrial Engineer, helping to start the 737 airplane program. Sid and Ann moved to Olympia in 1970, where he worked for the State Department of Social and Health Services for more than 30 years as a planner, analyst and manager. During much of this time, Sid also worked with his dad and brothers, Don and Dick, in land development, construction and management of apartment complexes. He was an active Elder at The United Churches of Olympia and worked part- time as their bookkeeper for 12 years after he retired from the State. For the past 14 years, Sid worked part- time as the Recording Clerk of The Presbytery of Olympia, retiring for health reasons in May of 2017. Sid died of lung cancer, on his own terms, on June 18, 2017. He was surrounded by his loving family who sang to him as he passed on to his next adventure. He is survived by his wonderful, supportive wife of 52 years, Ann; son, Doric of Olympia; daughter, Marsid “Marsi” Franceschini (Ray) of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Xavia Olson-Tidwell (Ian) of Seattle, Natasha Olson of Olympia, DeCristo “Chris” and Daniel Sidney Franceschini of Charlotte, NC; brother, Richard (Trudy) of Olympia; brothers-in-law, Dick Jones (Jean) of Dayton, WA, and Dr. Michael Jones (Dana) of Gig Harbor; and uncle, Alfred Milsten of Puyallup; plus several nephews, nieces and cousins. Sid and Ann loved family gatherings and vacationing with their children and grandchildren. They enjoyed travels throughout the U. S., as well as to South Korea, Great Britain, Spain, Portugal (including Madeira), Morocco, Canada and Mexico. Sid was an avid reader, particularly in history, economics and futurism, with considerable fiction thrown in. He was a dedicated walker and occasional hiker right up to the time his lungs could no longer support his efforts. He loved to play bridge, playing with senior center groups in the greater Olympia area in more recent years. For more than 20 years, Sid and Ann were members, and two-time past presidents, of Soiree Dinner Dance Club, where they enjoyed dancing into their early 70s. Sid will be greatly missed by his family and friends, where his smile and positive attitude were well-known and welcome features of his kind nature. The following tribute was written by Sid’s son, Doric: Today has been a Father’s Day that will never be forgotten. My Dad, Sid Olson, passed away at about 5 p.m. this evening at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia. He was surrounded by loving family at the end and we were singing to him as he left this world. His Brother, Richard Olson, and his grandsons, Chris and Daniel, were able to visit him earlier in the day. The last sounds he heard were my Mother, Ann Olson, my sister, Marsi Olson Franceschini, my daughters, Xavia Nova Olson-Tidwell and Natasha Olson, and my daughter’s husband, Ian Tidwell (plus me) singing the songs my mother used to sing to us as children. The refrains of Teddy Bear’s Picnic, Boom Boom Ain’t It Great To Be Crazy, Onward Christian Soldiers, Swing Low Sweet Chariot, and You Are My Sunshine (among others), seemed to calm him and help him transition peacefully. Afterwards we met with family for the traditional Father’s Day meal of expertly barbecued steak and delicious strawberry shortcake, made with Spooner’s strawberries, at my Uncle’s house on the bay. Somehow the steak seemed more tender this year, and the strawberries sweeter. As is tradition, my Uncle, Richard Olson, bought dollar store flying toys for the kids (meaning the dads) to play with. It was a fitting tribute for Dad’s last Father’s Day. I want to thank everyone for their prayers, support, and well wishes during this difficult time. In particular, I want to thank my Uncles, Dick Jones and Michael Jones (plus Dana Jones) for spending time with us this past week. And my Uncle, Richard Olson, for all of the late night visits with Dad. Also, cousins, friends, other family, and everyone else who travelled from near and far to pay their respects. Dad really appreciated it and so did we. The same goes for those who called, sent messages, or sent prayers and well wishes. I also want to give special recognition to the nurses, doctors, palliative care team, and other staff at Providence St. Peter Hospital (and everyone in the Providence system) who helped take care of Dad during this past six weeks. The caring, professionalism, expertise, and love you showed helped Dad pass more easily and with his dignity intact until the very end. Dad appreciated you and the family will not forget it. In addition, I would like to thank the pastors and spiritual care providers who offered support, especially Rev. Dr. Tammy Stampfli from the United Churches of Olympia and Mark Dowdy (retired). This past week in the hospital was especially difficult but Dad kept his smile, sense of humor, and most of all, showed his need to care for the rest of us, until just before the end. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren. He and my Mom were married for 52 years and he loved her dearly. He was ready to go. He was able to say his good-byes. He had a plan—and he stuck to it. He was only officially diagnosed with cancer about six weeks ago and the time went way too fast. But he spent that time loving his family and bringing us closer together. Dad was a man of faith and I believe he is out of distress and in a better place now. Dad, the world is not the same without you here to brighten our days and take care of us. You are sorely missed. We love you, and I love you, more than we could ever express. You meant so much, to so many. You are our sunshine, our only sunshine. You made us happy when skies were grey. You will never know Dad, how much we loved you. Please don’t take our sunshine away. Rest In Peace, Dad. We will see you on the other side. Your loving son, Doric M. Olson Please leave YOUR memories of Sid or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.