Harold Olson

"How does one measure the success or value of a man's life? By his loyalty, compassion, courage, commitment to friends and family, contributions to society? Our father, "Chief" Harold Olson, 86, was all of these until Sunday, Dec. 16, when he died peacefully at home. Dad left us knowing how deep our love was for him. Dad was born at home on June 30, 1926, to Christian Olson and Gertrude Ives, in their Blanchardville/Palmer home. His entire life was lived within a 5-mile radius of Depot Village. He graduated from Palmer High School where he played on the football and track teams. He received his associate's degree from Springfield Tech. Dad lived his incredibly colorful life to the fullest. He married his childhood sweetheart, our mother, Sylvia Jean Sawyer, and stayed at her side in health and throughout a devastating illness until her death. We also had the unique opportunity to have his other true love, Madelaine Gouvin, in our lives. He remained in close contact with Madelaine until her death in 2005. We thank him for the great memories he made for us in these two women. In 1984, Dad married Jerry Mower, and later divorced. Dad served in the Army's 35th Infantry Division in Germany during WWII, His adventures and tales of Army life were plentiful and, we believe, well embellished. He was passionate about his service to the Palmer community as patrolman, investigator, sergeant and later chief of the Palmer Police Department. He achieved the second highest score in the Civil Services' exam and was chosen as police chief in 1979. Dad was also a civil emergency responder and instrumental in the enhanced 911 program. After retiring from the police department in 1986, Dad served as Town Selectman and continued as a Palmer Historical Society board member. Until the day he died, people would call him Chief, and he would be pleased to hear them say he was the best chief ever. Dad loved many things and many activities. Never ceasing to amaze us, in his last years he discovered the joy of dancing with his loving companion, Jackie Corbett, and spent many Friday nights on the dance floor. He loved his friends and family. On his 85th birthday, he celebrated with 85 friends and family, many whom he had not seen in years. He dearly loved his home, camping, Misquamicut, roses, and especially apple pie with cheese. Dad will also be remembered for his welcoming open door, family BBQs, clever sense of humor and practical jokes. He is survived by his three daughters, Pamela Olson of Bondsville; Sandra Olson (Hardin Davis) of Salt Lake City, UT, Lauri Olson-Langevin (Wayne) of Palmer; Grandsons: Jeffrey Winter (Claudia); Brian Winter (Katey); Granddaughters: Heather Wystepek (Chris), Holly Marciniec (Jared); four great-grandsons and one great-granddaughter; sister Karen Sprague of Duxbury; brother Tommy Nunn (Joyce) of Irving, TX; favorite niece Helen Olson of Rindge, NH; companion Jackie Corbett of Belchertown; Ronald Gouvin (Sandy) of Palmer, who he treated as a son; and many special nieces, nephews, and friends. Dad was preceded in death by his wife Sylvia, dear friend Madelaine Gouvin, son Donald, and brothers Fred, Henry, Niels, Alver and Elson. We are especially grateful to Lauri and husband Wayne for attending his every need in his last days; to companion Jackie who had boundless affection for him and a commitment to be by him until his end; and to all his special caregivers at VNA/Hospice services. Friends may call at Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home Wednesday from 2;00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11:00 am at the Second Congregational Church, Palmer. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his name to Wing Hospice, 40 Wright St., Palmer, MA 01069, New Beginnings Dog Rescue, PO Box 33, Bondsville, MA 01009 or National Multiple Sclerosis Society. For more information please visit www.beersandstory.com. "