Obituary of Gary M. Olson

Gary M. Olson of Ashville, NY, left this earth after a valiant, nearly 16-year battle, with metastatic renal cancer, on Saturday November 13, 2021. He was born in Jamestown, NY, on February 23, 1950 the son of the late Ralph C. and Beverly Ostrander Olson-Oste. He was a graduate of Frewsburg Central School class of 1968 where he excelled in sports. A true believer in education, he went on to attend Ashland College where he obtained his bachelor's degree in Education and was a proud member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. He continued his education and obtained a master's degree from the State University of New of New York at Buffalo and his doctorate in health and behavioral sciences from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He went on to obtain his administrative certifications from Fredonia State University. He was a teacher of Health and Physical Education at Panama Central School for 36 years. He was instrumental and passionate about establishing a middle school administrative program while at Panama. He also coached football, baseball, girls' basketball, and loved teaching his students to cross country ski. He was very passionate about his teaching career and influenced many of his students in such a positive way. He loved the field of education and always advocated for what was best for students. He went on to volunteer in his daughter's classroom teaching Junior Achievement for many years and volunteering his time to be a judge for her school's Scholastic Fair. He was a man of many interests and talents. He enjoyed woodworking in his spare time in his shop in the garage. He surprised his wife and daughters with gorgeous gifts every year at Christmas. His passion was evident and so much love went into all the pieces he created. Each piece is adorned with a plaque with the year in which he made them. He also made keepsakes for his grandchildren whom he loved dearly. He was an avid reader and possessed a love of learning throughout his life. He enjoyed learning about all aspects of history, traveling, and stopping at every scenic overlook along the way. He loved family vacations and there are many stories to be remembered involving our family adventures. He truly enjoyed sharing experiences and creating new ones with his wife and daughters. Gary also worked tirelessly to obtain two United States patents for his innovative bicycle seat. He enjoyed promoting his product and was an avid bicyclist himself. He was also a published author of the book, "Back up Your Back", which was a product of his doctoral research. He participated in the Overland Ski Marathon for several years and was proud to have run in and completed a marathon. He also had a vision and strong desire to protect and preserve the history of the Guernsey Hollow Cemetery in South Valley, NY. He assembled a team dedicated to the same purpose of education and preservation of its history. Holding annual fundraisers, he was instrumental in restoring many aspects of the cemetery. His passion was far reaching, and many others shared his desire to protect and preserve the history of the cemetery. In his spare time, he also enjoyed winemaking. He loved to share his blends and creations with family and friends for any occasion. He was an avid golfer in his spare time and enjoyed working at the Chautauqua Learning Center in the summers during retirement. He was past President of the board of Prevention Works where he was currently on the board. He believed strongly in their vision and message to the children and adults of our community. He was a member of the Celtics Men's Club, Ingjald Lodge #65, Independent Order of the Vikings, the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club, and NYSUT. He was also a proud supporter of his daughter's non-profit Fight for Seeley in memory of his late son-in-law. A man of great faith, he was a member of Holy Apostles Parish, SS. Peter & Paul, where he was active in the festival hand bell choir as well as their church choir for many years. He had a passion for singing and had a beautiful voice which he shared with others by singing solos and duets at church. He also participated in the Living Christmas Tree at First Covenant Church for 10 years. He was an avid sports fan, especially the Buffalo Bills. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Anne E. Lombardo Olson. They shared a love story that lasted nearly 55 years. They were married June 3, 1972, in Frewsburg, NY. He is also survived by his twin daughters, Nicole M. Seeley, and Erica L. (Brendan) Carter. He was also a proud papa to Becca Nicole and Cadan Mead Carter. Surviving also are a sister, Jenifer J. Olson and a brother, Craig A. Olson both of Florida. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased in death by an infant brother, William Olson, a brother Ralph Scott Olson and his son-in-law Michael E. Seeley. A gentle giant who supported others with his kind words of encouragement and wisdom, he always knew what to say in any situation. He loved his family fiercely and will be missed by many. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am Friday, November 19,2021, at Holy Apostles Parish, Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church. The Rev. Paul Cygan, parochial vicar of St. James Catholic Church will officiate. Burial will be in the Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends will be received from 2-4 & 6-8 pm Thursday, November 18, 2021, in the Lind Funeral Home where a Christian Wake Service will be led at 3:30 pm Thursday in the funeral home. Masks must be worn while inside the funeral home. The family suggests memorials be made to: Holy Apostles Parish, SS Peter & Paul, 508 Cherry St. Jamestown, NY 14701, the Fight for Seeley Scholarship Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, 418 Spring St. Jamestown, NY 14701, the Prevention Works of Jamestown, NY, or The Murphy Fund (Guernsey Hollow Cemetery Fund) care of the Jamestown Area Community Credit Union, Jamestown, NY.