Norman Robert Olson

WORCESTER - Norman R. Olson, 94, formally of Worcester and West Dennis, died peacefully on Sunday, August 19th, 2018. He was born in Worcester, the son of Robert C. and Gerda H. Olson.

Norman graduated from Worcester Academy and went on to earn a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He proudly served in the US Navy during World War II. After returning from his military service, Norman met the love of his life, Judith Hardy, and the couple was married in 1949. He went into the family business Olson Manufacturing Company and after 50 years retired as president and CEO in 1987. Norman served on the board of many local institutions in Worcester including Guaranty Bank and Trust,  Fairlawn Hospital and Trinity Lutheran Church. He was also a long time member of the Worcester Country Club where he was an active member of the bowling league. In West Dennis he was a charter member of West Dennis Yacht Club served as Commodore and founded the sailing program there in 1959. He also served on the board of the South Yarmouth Tennis Club.

After retiring to West Dennis he enjoyed cruising the New England coast on his sailboat and remained an active member of the West Dennis Yacht Club and Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church. Favorite past times included playing bridge and watching the boating activity outside his window, especially his grandchildren’s sailing lessons. He was kind-hearted, generous and known for his practical jokes.

Norman is survived by his wife of 69 years, Judith H. Olson; his son, Robert H. Olson and his wife, Ivette of Rutland; his daughters, Karin Schein and her husband, Frederic of Chicago, Cynthia Oliver and her husband, James of Florida and Elizabeth Ashcroft and her husband, David of San Francisco; his sister, Lois Biehler of Florida. He was affectionately known as Pakka or Morfar by his seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister, Jeanette Gould.

A Memorial Gathering will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, October 20th at All Faiths Cemetery, 7 Island Road, Worcester. Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Peters Lutheran Church, 137 Route 137, Harwich, MA, 02645, or a charity of your own choosing. Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden, MA, is assisting the family with the arrangements. To share a memory or offer a condolence visit our "Guest Book."