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Robert Olson
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Robert Eugene 'Bob' Olson, 84, passed away on Friday, June 5 in Walnut Creek.

He was born on November 20, 1924 in Swedeburg, Nebraska to Frederik and Gerda (Eliason) Olson, both of Swedish decent. He was much loved as a husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. He always had time for his family and his church.

Mr. Olson was a very considerate and compassonate man and always put the needs of others before his own He was quick to laugh and slow to anger. The world was a better place with him in your life. He will be very much missed by all those whose lives he touched.

In 1940, after the death of his father, the family moved to Escalon, California where Bob attended Escalon High School. He joined the United States Navy in August 1943 where he served in the South Pacific untill April 1946. While onboard a naval ship he developed an in-depth knowledge of the constellations.

After the service Mr. Olson attended Modesto Jr. College, where he met his first wife, Roma Engstrand. After MJC he went on to graduate from the University of California Berkeley and University of San Francisco with a degree in Pharmacy Science. He was the Chief Pharmacist at Peninsula Hospital, Burlingame, CA. He was also an accomplished tenor. Passionate about classical music, he sang for many years in the choir at Calvary Presbyterian Church in San Francisco, the San Francisco Bach Choir, the Carmel Bach Festival and the Stockton Chorale.

In 1974, Mr. Olson semi retired and moved back to Escalon to try his hand at almond farming. Two years later Roma died. In 1979 he married Judy Denlis Bell and they remained in Escalon. Mr. Olson worked as a pharmacist at Memorial North Hospital in Modesto until he retired in1989. They were active members of Saron Luthern Church, where he sang in the church choir.

Shortly after both retired they spent seven years residing in North Lake Tahoe. Bob and Judy returned to the Bay Area and later settled in Walnut Creek. They were members of Saint Matthews Lutheran Church in Walnut Creek.

Mr. Olson loved to follow local profesional sports teams as well as Cal footbal and basketball. He also enjoyed farming, gardening and working outdoors and an occasional golf game with family. Until his health prevented it, he walked every day around the Heather Farms Park.

Survivors include his wife Judy, his son Kevin Olson and daughter-in-law Renee, daughter Robi Olson Ozgunduz and her husband David, son Kevin Bell and his wife Gretchen; three grandchildren, Kyle, Tyler and Todd Olson; and his sister, Ruth Sandall.

He was preceeded in death by his brother, Paul Richard Olson.

A viewing will be held at Deegan's Funeral Home in Escalon at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10 followed by a graveside service at Burwood Cemetery, Escalon at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 11.

Rememberances may be made to Saron Lutheran Church Stained Glass Fund, 1742 North St., Escalon, CA 95320 or a charity of choice.

The Escalon (Calif.) Times

June 10, 2009