Arthur Olson

Arthur Julius Olson, 77, of Durango, Colorado passed away on January 8, 2015 due to a cardiac arrest. At the time of heart failure he was hiking with his wife of 57­ years, Lucy Olson, love of his life and key to his multiple blessings.
Art was born in Denver, Colorado to Paul Julius Olson and Waunita Jimmie Olson (Webb­Rath) on December 1, 1937. He grew up in Durango and Cortez, graduating high school from Marion Military Institute, Marion, Alabama in 1955. Art and Lucy were married in 1957, started their family in 1958, and while conducting a myriad of endeavors, received his degree from Fort Lewis College in 1973. Throughout he loved, lived, created, and inspired all that he touched.
Art’s passions were to live life fully, affect others positively, and give unconditionally. In his world there was not an individual or animal that didn’t deserve befriending, feeding, or care. Art being a pilot, the metaphor of soaring, the act of flying, provided direction for many of his life decisions. Art embraced his passions all the while encouraging and supporting others to identify and embrace theirs.
Surviving Art is his wife Lucy Claire (Elliott) Olson, his three children, Joan Olson Rhoades, Mike Olson, Tad Olson, along with six well loved grandchildren, Nick, Ryne & Tom Olson, John Rhoades, and Brennan and Davis Olson.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00PM on January 24, 2015, at the Faith Community Church of the Nazarene, 1400 State Highway 172 in Durango. Later that day, a party celebrating his life will be held at the VFW, 5:00PM.
In remembrance of Art, the family would appreciate notes and stories received at P.O. Box 1445, Durango, Colorado 81302.