George Olson

George Olson

Gill, MA - George Olson, 71, of Main Road passed away Saturday February 24, 2024 at home. He was born in Holden, MA on July 28, 1952, the son of William and Ruth (Sheehan) Olson.

Mourning George's loss are his longtime companion Janet Dobias of Millers Falls; siblings: Catherine Olson of Gill; Gail Olson of Tempe, AZ; Margaret (Sommer) Olson (Ray Benninghoff) of Culver, IN; Michael Olson (Dianne) of Colorado Springs, CO; Barbara Olson of Gilford, NH; Mabel Dumas (Mike) of Hoosick Falls, NY; Fred Olson (Brenda) of Millers Falls; Denise Milkey (Brian) of Montague City; and Donna DuSell (Michael Muller) of Greenfield. George also leaves several nieces and nephews and many, many friends.

George attended Gill Elementary and graduated from Pioneer Valley Regional High School in 1971.

He had a variety of positions over the years, working for the railroad and bartending at the Bridge Café where he delighted all his costumers with his sense of humor and skill as a bartender. He was the entertainment, and everybody wanted to go where George knew your name! He was a member of Laborers' Union (Local 596) and was employed by Lane Construction for many years, retiring as foreman in 2014.

George lived a full life. He was a good friend to many. He enjoyed golf and shuffleboard. He was, in fact, planning on winning his shuffleboard tournament the very day of his untimely passing! His 66 Chevelle is the envy of many. He kept it pristine with the help and expertise of his nephew, Kevin. He spent the last several years being happily retired, bringing joy to many while hosting get-togethers at Sunshine Park.

The Olson family thanks George's companion, Janet Dobias, for nursing him through physical ailments over the past two years. We are forever grateful for the care she lovingly bestowed upon him as he returned to being well again. We are all heartbroken and in disbelief at George's sudden and unexpected passing.

George inherited the Irish genes and poetic soul, was very gregarious and the life of any gathering. He entertained us all at family gatherings, weddings and, yes, even funerals. It was a joy to hear him perform renditions of his favorite songs like "Queen of the Silver Dollar," "The Gambler," "Glendale Train," and other country classics with his booming singing voice. You name it, George could sing it. His voice would be the envy of any singer out there today. On top of that, George was an orator. His renditions of poems like St. Peter at the Gate, The Cremation of Sam McGee, The Face Upon the Bar Room Floor, or Casey at the Bat to name a few were memorable and stirring.

George brought joy to his many nieces and nephews or visiting children as he, along with his best friend and dear brother, Fred entertained the children with golf cart and dune buggie rides at our gatherings. It is with great delight and love that they remember these happy times at "Sunshine Park" our family gathering place "up back" behind the family home, the Olson party spot since the 1950s. Sitting and listening to George and Fred and their friends talk of the past and their many escapades and harrowing adventures was like being in a movie! Who could have done the things these guys experienced, unbelievable.

Thank you to all the friends who shared those experiences, Tom, Dan, Mark, Gillbillies, Ramblers just to name a few. George loved his family and friends so, so much and delighted in their company as we did his. He would do anything for his family and friends and appreciated all they did for him, especially in hard times. This is an unbelievably sad time, and our hearts are broken.

George was predeceased by his parents and four siblings; Robert Olson, Betsy Olson, Donald Olson and David Olson.

Memorial contributions in George's name may be made to the Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA 01376. https://greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/ ; https://greatfallsdiscoverycenter.org/donate/

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date and time to be announced.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Kostanski Funeral Home. For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com