Remembering Steven A. Olson, 1956-2021

Family and friends are remembering Steven A. Olson, and sharing this remembrance with his community:

Steven A. Olson (September 24, 1956 – June 8, 2021), died in a tragic auto accident in Federal Way. Steve was preceded in death by his father, Donald S. Olson. Steve was the first of four siblings and grew up near the Fauntleroy Ferry dock in West Seattle. Steve played many sports growing up but loved his time playing Gil Dobie football. He met and retained a number of friends from the sport. His brother-in-law Chris, for one. Steve graduated from Chief Sealth High School in 1975 and went on to Wenatchee Valley Community College on a football scholarship.

Steve spent 36 years as general manager of our family business Ole and Charlie’s Marinas, first in Seattle, and then in Tacoma. Steve was a talented oil-painting artist. We all treasure the memories of his artwork. Famous northwest cowboy artist Fred Oldfield was his protege. Steve loved boating, and his sister’s family spent many years on regular trips to Lake Chelan and Lake Roosevelt boating, water-skiing, and just enjoying life. Steve spent an abundance of years sport fishing with his dad in Alaska. Steve had a huge passion for life, and that was evident when Steve entered the room. He had so many planned outings that the pandemic had changed, like a planned cruise once again to Alaska.

Steve leaves behind his mother Barbara, his partner Sandi, his sister Kim Mickelson (Chris), who was his best friend of 55 years, brothers Mark Olson (Janell), and Craig Olson. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, Christiana (George), Trine (Clint), Tristen, Matthew (Michelle), Marie (Dan), Jessica (Garrett), Luke (Willow), Lily, and many cousins. His Aunt Molly and Uncle Ed of Scottsdale, Arizona. And so many friends! Steve is dearly missed but will never be forgotten!

We also want to thank Federal Way officer Chris Mickelsen, who was first on the scene to help and the witness to the accident, Kristina, who cared for his dog and was there for him. Remembrances can be made to Medic One in his honor.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

8 Replies to "Remembering Steven A. Olson, 1956-2021"

  • Brad Chrisman December 21, 2021 (10:16 am)

    Steve was one of my best pals growing up — a kind spirit with a magnetic personality. The line above — about how Steve had a passion for life that was evident when he entered the room — is right on. You could see that play out over the years at our Chief Sealth class of ’75 reunions. He’d come swashbuckling through the door, dressed in black like some kind of celebrity pirate, and before long, a crowd of friends would be gathered around. We’re going to miss him greatly.

    • mickelkl December 21, 2021 (5:19 pm)

      Thank you so much Brad for the kind response.  Steve and I had planned to attend the all class reunion on July 17 together. Unfortunately that is when his partner had his memorial.  I hope to get some high school friends together this summer at my home as Steve would have loved that.  Happy Holidays to you!  Sincerely, Kim

  • Pamela Hendren Tumelson December 21, 2021 (4:49 pm)

    Rip Steve. So sorry for your family!

    • mickelkl December 21, 2021 (5:16 pm)

      Thank you Pamela!  Happy Holidays, sincerely, Kim as Steve referenced me it was “Sis”

  • Greg Ring December 21, 2021 (9:16 pm)

         Steve and I were in many of the same classes during our Fauntleroy years and we always enjoyed running into each other and catching up on our lives in later years! I was fortunate to have seen some of his art work and hear stories about Fred and his paintings! I last saw him at the All Class reunion before the Covid pause. We had a lot of fun talking about the old days. Steve was just the greatest guy and I will never forget him! RIP Oly! Until we meet again!!!

  • Mark Peizer December 22, 2021 (10:37 am)

    Yes, I was another old buddy from Fauntleroy and spoke to him just a few days before his passing as we were trying to figure out a day to get together.   Steve seemed energized and was waiting on parts for his boat to take me out for a spin to Gig Harbor at one of his favorite eateries.  With my last name starting with “P” and Steve’s last name starting with “O”, I was seated behind him in many grade school classrooms and was able to observe first-hand (looking over his shoulder) his talents in art and drawing.  While I was challenged drawing people as “stick” figures, Steve was drawing horses in motion with wild manes flying in the wind across the prairies.  I also remember Steve picking me up on multiple occasions  in his family’s convertible MG and then picking up another Fauntleroy friend (Jay Kinney who passed away several years ago) for a very cramped ride to the West Seattle Golf Course as we hacked our way through 9 holes as we could never could finish all 18 holes.  Steve and Jay passed away way too soon as I have fond memories of them both.  In recent months, I was able to rekindle warm friendships with Steve’s sister, Kim, and brother-in-law, Chris, for which I am eternally grateful. 

  • Condolences December 23, 2021 (9:56 am)

    I’m sorry to hear about Steve’s passing.  I didn’t know him but he was obviously a great guy and missed terribly by his friends and family.  We never have enough time with our loved ones but he went way too soon.  I hope all the wonderful memories give you peace.  Take care.

  • Ralph Fillion December 23, 2021 (12:29 pm)

    Steve was my best friend for 50 years. I often visited him when the marina was in WS. We snowmobiled, 4×4, motorcycled, at Tiger Mt. We did the nightlife scene back in the 70’s & 80’s. Wow how time marches on. Last Sumer while I was on top of Tiger Mt this time with a bicycle Steve called me, he was at my house in WS he popped in for a visit, I had not scene him in years. Sorry I missed you but I get down your way when I hit the casinos so let’s get together there soon. He said yeah I’ll play the slots with you, dinner. So next time a few week’s later no answer. Later Sandi text me the very bad news. Shocking & still hard to believe. Steve made me a better person by being great friends I’ll always remember that & that kind of people is really hard to find. Always missed never forgotten. 

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