Timothy Olson

Timothy Andrew Olson, 66, of Melbourne, Florida, a proud husband, Veteran, and Honor Flight Leader passed away peacefully with his wife Suzanne at his side on August 5, 2024.

Tim was born on November 27, 1957, to Erling and Dorothy Olson in Detroit, Michigan. Tim attended and graduated from Woodhaven High School, Lincoln Park, Michigan before entering the US Navy where he served for six years as a Nuclear Power Plant Components Welder with final duty on the USS Hunley (AS-31) at Charleston Naval Station, South Carolina.

In 1983, he completed an Associate’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Trident Technical College, Charleston, SC, before attending his trademark university “The Citadel”, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering in 1991. All who knew Tim will always have a flashback to the Blue Citadel shirts and hoodies he wore so proudly.

After graduation, Tim was always in demand for his expertise, excellence, and Leadership while serving as a Project Engineer, Lead Estimator, General Superintendent, and Project Manager for several companies on key major projects. Especially impressive was his work on the I-95 & I-4 Interchanges, Miami International Airport paving & utilities, Homestead Motor Sports Complex, Palmetto Park Road Streetscape, 570 miles of Fiber Optic City Pairs in Florida & Georgia, PGA Blvd Bridge Rehabilitation, Big Pine Key – Deer Key Bridges underground utilities/drainage, Sawgrass Toll Plaza Upgrades, SR-429 Western Beltway, Bee Line SR528 Bridges Rehabilitation, Goethals Bridge Replacement, and the Tyndall AFB Infrastructure Rebuild – These successes had his Leadership fingerprints all over them.

His incredible passion for supporting and recognizing Veterans came to light in his 14 years of leadership to the Honor Flight program. A founding member of the Space Coast Honor Flight Hub, Tim was the Operations Director and heart of successful trips taking over 1,600 Veterans to see their memorials in Wash DC. He also served as the Florida Joint Council Leader bringing together 10 hubs and was an avid supporter of the four monthly Veteran luncheons that gave Veterans & Families an opportunity to share Camaraderie and experiences. All will miss his signature Ship Hat during the Navy Song before each trip.

Tim is survived by Suzanne, his wife of 30 years, Melbourne, FL; oldest sister Nancy (Robert) Zimmerman, South Carolina; sister Lynn (Steve) Hayden, California; sister Joanne (Curtis) Houston, Maryland; and sister-in-law Cynthia (Stewart) Nelson Blake, Montana. He is also survived by Family members: Joshua (Laura) Zimmerman, Jason (Carrie) Zimmerman, Matthew (Melanie) Hayden, Sarah (Lamont) Hayden-Smith, Jordan (Amanda) Houston, Jesse Gambrell, Marshall (Kelly) Houston, John (Lauren) Houston, Andrew (Gayln) Bernard, Charles (Colleen) Bernard, and Ann (Patrick) Gallagher. He will be eternally missed by their Pugs Belle & Jazzy.

There will be a Celebration of Life and interment at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery at later dates.

In his honor, contributions may be made to Space Coast Honor Flight, PO Box 560975, Rockledge, Florida 32956