Obituary of Emory C. Olson

Emory C. Olson, 88, quietly ended his life's journey at Heritage Village Rehab & Skilled Nursing facility on March 20, 2016. Born November 11, 1927, in Jamestown, he was the youngest son of the late Edwin S. and Laura (Bouton) Olson. Prior to retirement, he was co-owner of the former Baldwin's Jewelry Store in Jamestown and an American Gem Society Registered Jeweler. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he also served in many community organizations throughout his life. He was named Young Man of the Year by the Jamestown Junior Chamber of Commerce in 1963 and Sertoman of the Year by the Jamestown Sertoma Club in 1995-96. He served as president of the Jamestown School Board from 1966-76. He was an active member of Kidder Memorial Church and later Hillcrest Baptist Church. As a young man, he was an avid bowler while later in life, he enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends in the U.S. and trips abroad. He was preceded in death by spouses Jean Vandewark Olson Stowell and Lois Hutley Berenguer Olson; sister, Helen Pearson; and three brothers, Glenn, Leon and Wallace Olson. His surviving family includes five children: Karen S. Olson, Rochester, N.Y., Dr. Stephen C. (Deborah) Olson, Chickasha, Okla.; Lynette D. (Scott) Hendrickson, Maryville, Tenn.; Rebecca J. (David) Jollow, Jacksonville, Fla.; Laurie V. (Brian) Bessey, Darien, Conn.; three stepchildren Linda (Larry) Delgado, Horseheads, N.Y.; Suzanne (James) Miller, Montgomery, Ala.; John "Skip" (Susan) Berenguer, Jr., Jamestown, N.Y.; as well as 19 grandchildren, 9 step-grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 13 step-great-grandchildren. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 26 in the Lind Funeral Home. Pastor Derek Johnson, Emory's grandson in-law, will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery. Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, and for one hour prior to the service in the funeral home Saturday. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Heritage Village East Wing, 4570 Rte. 60, Gerry, NY 14740; or Alzheimer's Assoc. of WNY, 2805 Wehrle Drive #6, Buffalo, NY 14221.