Walter "Chris" Olson, 78

Walter “Chris” Olson, 78, of Polson, passed away Saturday, May 13, 2023, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, after several complications stemming from an accidental burn.

Chris was born in Fresno, Calif., on Dec. 18, 1944, to Will and Virginia Olson. His folks and family were Montanans, and he spent many years of his childhood here before returning after graduating from Menasha High School in Wisconsin and a tour in the United States Navy. Chris always had an adventurous traveler’s soul and spent time traversing all over the country by car, train, and plane.

Chris graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Montana in Missoula in 1974. He was the principal/teacher at the one-room schoolhouse in Elmo for seven years and enjoyed living right on the lake in Elmo, hosting many family reunions and get-togethers.

In 1982, Chris began a long and successful career with Bausch & Lomb as a territory manager of the western United States, meeting and becoming friends with many opticians in his area and consistently ranking top in the company for sales.

Chris married the love of his life, Susie Orr Olson, on Sept. 18, 1977, and they spent many happy years in different places in the valley before moving to Rocky Point Road in Polson, where they’ve lived for thirty years. Some of his favorite memories of his wife included going up into the woods together to cut down firewood, eating her delicious fried chicken and oatmeal-butterscotch cookies, and taking her dancing.

Chris loved music, cigars, camping and fishing with his family, port wine, old cars, playing piano, and tinkering with musical instruments of all kinds. He had a sharp sense of wit, a smile for (most) everyone he met, a heart for stray cats, and a deep pride in his children and grandchildren.

After retiring in 2004, he devoted much of his time to raising his daughter, playing music around town for events, helping care for his mother before her passing in 2007, and traveling to visit his children and loving brother Curtis, who passed away in 2010. Chris was loyal to his family and believed dearly in the ideals of hard work and patriotism.

Chris is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Susie; his son, Andrew Olson (Becky) of Colorado; stepdaughter Brenda Steiner (Jim) of Pablo; and daughter Anna Olson Starkel (Chris) of Washington. He was dearly loved by his grandchildren: Gracie Waterman, Nika Waterman, Marlie Starkel, James (Bubba) Steiner, Ashlee Cordier (Kole), Tommy Olson, and Ginger Olson. Chris was also a great-grandpa of four great grandchildren: Anders, Emilia, Wren, and Kash. He leaves behind a sister, Joy Bell of Polson; aunt Sidney Schall Powell; uncle Teddy Schall; and longtime close friends George Mathieus, Vern Reum, and Steve Kamerick.

Chris requested no services but asked for his ashes to be released at some of his favorite fishing spots around Montana, including the Flathead River, the Jocko, and other beautiful mountain fishing sites he enjoyed spending time on such as the Spotted Bear. Chris was always happiest amongst the beauty of Montana’s mountain streams.

We have lost a funny and talented man whose intellect and humor have given us pleasure, friendship, and guidance through the years. Chris’s youngest daughter would like to request all who have read this to call or visit their father and tell him you love him, in honor of hers.