Thomas Martin Olson, age 67, of Helena. Surrounded by his family in his Helena home, Tom passed away October 24, 2010 at noon to the sound of churchbells ringing.
Tom was born in Marmarth, North Dakota March 15, 1943 to Gordon C. and Helen (Stark) Olson. A true Montanan at heart, Tom always was careful to explain that the only reason he was born in Marmarth was because the wonderful weather of North Dakota (a March blizzard) would not allow the travel to get to Baker, Montana.
Tom graduated from high school in Baker and attended Montana State University at Bozeman where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics. In addition to his Bachelor’s degree, Tom also held a teaching degree. He moved to California to work for North American Rockwell before he entered the United States Air Force to be a pilot in 1969. Honorably discharged, Tom returned to Montana to work for an environmental consulting firm in Missoula in the early 1970’s. Tom and Connie Omdahl were married in Glendive May 8, 1982.
Tom was a founding member of the Olson Elliott and Associates in the early to mid 1970’s to 1982 in Helena. Then he took a position with Williston Basin Interstate Pipeline in 1982 in Glendive from which he retired from in 2002.
While attending Montana State University at Bozeman, Tom received his private pilot’s license. Tom loved Montana. He passed by a great opportunity of a high paying career to move back and live in Montana at an early age to pursue his love of the outdoors. He loved the hunting, fishing, cross country skiing and archery clubs. He was a bow-hunting education instructor. An avid Poker player, he only played No Limit Texas Hold-Em, the game of Omaha a forbidden one to speak of in front of Tom.
Tom served on the School Board for Dawson County School District for one term. He was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Glendive, Walleyes Unlimited in Glendive, local Archery Clubs, and MT Bow Hunters Association and also served as President of the Lewis & Clark Archery Club in 1980. Tom was a member of the Chess Club in Helena.
Tom was preceded in death by his father, Gordon in 1998, mother, Helen in 2008 and sister, Judy Line in 2006. He is survived by his wife, Connie of Helena; son, Keith Olson of Seattle, WA; daughter and son-in-law, Angela (Michael) Wubben of Three Forks; brother and sister-in-law, Richard (Carol) Olson of Missoula and his grandson, Kal Wubben. He loved his family and being a grandpa.
A memorial service celebrating Tom’s life will be held 5:30 p.m. Saturday October 30th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. There will also be a second memorial service in August 2011 during the Fallon County Fair in Baker, MT.
Memorials in Tom’s name are suggested to the Montana Bow Hunters Association.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
Share
Missy Thielen says
Olson family,
I was saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. I traveled to Glendive for work at WBI from the Baker/Plevna area and as soon as I started, Tom came in to see who I was and who we both knew from Baker. I sure enjoyed visiting with him. He always made me laugh. I looked forward to hear what he had on his mind each day. My thoughts are with your family.
Thomas Keys says
I am very saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. He was a interesting fellow employee at WBI. Besides his wonderful helpful knowledge of those early days of computers in the office, he had insightful thoughts on the day-to-day happens within WBI. I always enjoyed walking down the hall to hear what Tom was thinking. We both retired months apart in 2002.
Becky & Dan Schmidt says
Dear Connie, Keith and Angela (and families),
Our deepest sympathies during this difficult time. Please know that you have been and will continue to be in my prayers.
Please call me if there is anything whatsoever I can do.
With love from your Glendive friends,
George Birtic says
To the family of Tom Olson, deeply sorry to hear of his early death. He was 2 years ahead of me in high school and college. I always had so much respect for him as he was so smart in school. A great person.
George Birtic, Belgrade, Montana
Bob Yokley says
My deepest condolences on the passing of Tom. We grew up together. I attempted to insert some treasured memories of Tom however the computer would not accept it.
In my mind the memories of Tom will never be forgotten.
Bob Yokley
Edwina Boyles says
Connie & family,
I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I truly enjoyed working with him at WBI. I loved his sense of humor & appreciated his comoputer knowledge & help. My thoughts & prayers are with his family.
Art linden says
Connie, Keith and Angela;
Sorry to hear about Tom. We will miss him greatly. It was always great to see You, Tom and your children when our children were growing up.
Art, Kathy. Jessica, and Amanda Linden
Keith and Jeanne Seifert says
Connie, Keith and Angela,
We were sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I enjoyed a quick visit with him in March and know he was so proud of all of you. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Darold & Judy Brown says
So shocked to hear of Tom’s passing. He was a dear friend, always. It just won’t be the same without him in our lives. Our prayers and heart goes out to the family.
Greg Heckman says
I enjoyed Tom’s company and working with him at WBI. We both shared the passion of the outdoors and especially bowhunting.
God bless his soul and all of your family.
Elaine Simons says
We continue to pray for all of you. We pray that the Lord is hold Tom in his hands. God be with all his family and loved ones.
Love, Sanden, Elaine, and kids
Joan Grammond says
Our thoughts are with you today. We are so glad you were able to say good-bye. The photo is so good. We will be there in August for the memorial.
Wayne and Therese Thompson says
We were sorry to hear of Tom illness and death. Joan Grammond shared the news with us yesterday. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Vera Abrams says
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this very sad and difficult time.
LJ and Amber Nentwig says
Olson Family: We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Tom. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Les Reichelt says
Connie,
So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you at this time.
Les
Clayton & Heidi Stark says
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.