Robert Dean Olson was born on February 4, 1945 in Wolf Point. Robert was the only son of Lawrence and Annie Olson. He was blessed with having eight sisters and they are Ruth, Norma, Diana, Edna, Connie, JoAnn, Donna and Julie. Each of them was his “favorite”.
He attended Longview grade school and attended high school in Wolf Point. At the age of 20 he was drafted into the US Army and served in Vietnam from 1965-1967 as a Field Wireman and Lineman.
In 1968 Robert married his sweetheart Alda Nelson. They raised two children Barry (Lisa) Hammond and Cyndi (Mike) Ritter. Robert was a deeply loved grandfather to his six grandchildren, Derrick, Cassie, Haylee and Nicole Hammond and Brennan and Austin Ritter. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Brayxton, Maverik and Emerald Hammond.
Robert worked in the oil industry and then the heating and air conditioning business. His passion was farming and his cows. He enjoyed many activities especially fishing and camping, visiting with his many friends, telling jokes, playing cards with his grandkids, watching western movies, and as a good Norwegian he loved his lutefisk. He was also famous for being able to fix anything with just a hammer and a pair of pliers.
There was no other role Robert enjoyed more than being a grandfather and a great grandfather. He taught all of his grandchildren about fishing, how to drive, the importance of honesty and Christian values and most importantly he passed on his love for family.
Robert bravely began his battle with cancer in 2003 and finally the time came for him to be at peace. He died at his home on April 12, 2017 while being watched over by his family and special Glendive Home Health nurse, Beth Conroy. He also considered the Sidney Cancer Center nursing staff as special friends who treated him with such great care and compassion; these special ladies were Judy Carda, Tracy Denowh, Carla Bright, Erin Ellingson, Deb Winter, Yvette Lien.
Memorials can be sent to Alda Olson at 726 MT Hwy 201, Vida, MT 59274. Donations will be directed to The Sidney Cancer Center and Angel Flights.