We celebrate the life of David Olson who died suddenly on January 10, 2017.  David was born on September 23, 1943 in Indianapolis, IN.  He was the oldest of four and predeceased by his brother, William; Sister Carolyn; father’ John Henry Olson and daughter in-law, Lauren Olson.  He is survived by his loving wife Susan, his sons Jason (Jake) and Adam, Grandchildren Lily, Brooke, Jacob and Mackenzie, his brother, Robert (Bob)Olson, who was his dearest friend, and his mother, Juanita Olson.

David had a childhood to envy - walking to school, delivering papers on a bicycle paper route, and getting into innocent trouble in the neighborhood.   Following in his father’s footsteps, he was passionate about the Indy 500; having attended the race countless times he introduced his sons and family to the tradition.  In 2011, he was in attendance proudly surrounded by family.

The family relocated to New Jersey when David was in High School but he maintained a love for Indiana and the small town life.  It was no surprise that after College (BFA Pratt Institute ‘65 / MFA Boston University ‘67) he decided to raise his family in the same fashion, and made New Hampshire his home.

David was an accomplished artist.  A juried member the League of New Hampshire Craftsman, his work was sold throughout the United States, Europe, Central and South America.  From background art in television shows and movies, to galleries throughout the world, his art brings a smile to all who see it.

He loved the simple beauty of art and wanted to share this with others throughout his life.  He taught Practical Art process and Art History at Westfield State College, The Holderness School, Brooks School and Brewster Academy.  Always encouraging students to see the beauty in nature, and to enjoy the experience of creating, he never saw a flaw in the work of his students, and simply enjoyed the smiling faces after they presented their work.  Often saying “fabulous work, I love it and hope you do too”.

David was very involved in the Democratic Party for New Hampshire and once served as the Chair of the Carroll County Democrats.  He entertained a host of prominent politicians each year on his lawn during the quintessential July 4th Parade and welcomed a select few into his home.   That holiday brought family together and great joy to both Dave and Sue.  This tradition will continue.  Committed to his town, he served on the Board for the Wolfeboro Corinthian Yacht Club and was an active member of the All Saints Episcopal Church.

As his children grew and moved, David developed a tight circle of friends that he referred to as his “gang”.  In recent years he was happiest in their company and enjoyed numerous adventures and simply marveling at the sun setting on the Lake.

More than anything was David’s unrelenting devotion to his wife of 49 years, Susan Dean-Olson.  They met as kids – Sue just 18 years old - and immediately connected.  They married, raised a family and had an absolute blast together.  They travelled the country from coast to coast many times, made frequent trips to England where Susan was raised and saw most of Europe’s art treasures.   Susan and David connected on a spiritual and intellectual level and were deeply in love until the end.  Although Susan is devastated by this loss, she is comforted by the admiration and respect they had for one another and the incredible life they created.  His children could not have asked for a better father, role model and advisor

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The New Hampshire Organ Bank (neob.org).

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