John Paul Olson, 66, passed away at his home in Anacortes, Wash., on Aug. 21, 2007, in the arms of his loving wife, Paula, after a long, courageous battle with cancer.
John was born on Jan. 3, 1941, in Crookston, Minn., to his Norwegian parents, Gunerius and Swanhild (Jahren) Olson. After graduating from Stanwood High School in 1959, he served in the army for two years.
John married Paula in 1964. He received his Masters degree in Mathematics from WWU. John taught at Lake Stevens High School for two years, where he set up the first computer class. He left teaching to work for Boeing, retiring in 1999 as a Software Engineering Manager for Commercial Avionics Systems.
After his retirement, he and Paula moved to Anacortes where they enjoyed boating, remodeling their house and great friends.
John was dedicated to his Christian faith and was an active member of both Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Marysville, Wash., and later, Anacortes Lutheran Church
He will be greatly missed by his family and many close and supportive friends who admired his courage and spirit during his 11-year battle with cancer.
John is survived by Paula, his wife of 42 years; his sons, Kirk Olson and wife, Marti; and their children Hannah and Gunner of Granite Falls, Wash.; Greg Olson and wife, Karin of Seattle; his daughter, Linnaea Olson of Marysville; his brother, Peter Phelps and wife, Saralee of St Paul, Minn.; his sister, Patricia Sharp and husband, Ed of Stanwood, Wash.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family wishes to thank Drs. Batson and Wisbeck and their nurses of the Providence Regional Cancer Partnership in Everett, Wash., and Dr. Labriola of Northwest Natural Health in Seattle, Wash.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Johns life at a memorial service on Aug. 31, 2007, at 1 p.m., at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Marysville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Providence Regional Cancer Partnership in Everett, Lutheran World Relief, Hospice or Heifer International.
Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., Anacortes & the San Juan Islands.
Share memories of John and sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com.