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John E. Olsson

FUNERAL HOME

Francis J. Collins Funeral Home, Inc. - Silver Spring

500 University Blvd. West

Silver Spring, Maryland

John Olsson Obituary

JOHN EDWARD OLSSON
On Thursday, October 28, 2010, of Silver Spring, MD. Beloved husband of Candace Olsson and the late Judith Olsson; father of Laura Olsson, John Olsson, Jeanne Christopher, Elizabeth Olsson, and Neil Olsson; brother of Mary Louise Van Dyke, Margaret Ann Ganey and the late Charlene Olsson, Elsa O'Brien and James Olsson; grandfather of Aaron Brussat, Daniel Olsson, and Christopher Olsson. Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard, West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking), Monday, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral Service at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Colesville Road & Highland Dr., Silver Spring, MD, on Tuesday, November 2 at 11 a.m. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society-MD Chapter, 11350 McCormick Road, Hunt Valley, MD, 21031.www.COLLINSFUNERALHOME.com

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Published by The Washington Post on Oct. 30, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for John Olsson

27 Entries

John & Gail Bowerman

November 6, 2022

WE moved into 3910 Oneida Place in November 1965 and raised 3 sons who played with the then young Olsson children. What WONDERFUL times we had with the children as well as with John and Judi. Eight WONDERFUL years watching the kids play and grow! So many happy times. I would love to have contact with the family again.

Gail & John Bowerman

November 29, 2010

Dear Laura, John and Jeanne,

Please know we are thinking of you and of your dad with love and the fondest memories. He was a wonderful person and friend who loved his family and also his work. We enjoyed some very special times with him and your mom, sharing laughs over your latest antics and endeavors when you were young on Oneida Place, sometimes comparing notes with frozen daiquiris in the middle of our little street at the end of the day while you circled around with Chris, Keith, and Travis and the Burke kids. He had a wry and terrific sense of humor that was a pleasure to enjoy. We will always remember him with the highest regard and affection.

Chet Chester

November 21, 2010

My thoughts and prayers go out for you and your family.

Carolyn Deckers

November 18, 2010

Laurie, John, and Jeanne,

My prayers and sincerest sympathy are with you and your families.

The memories of your father and our times spent together as wonderful neighbors and the many fun times on Oneida Place in Hyattsville, will always be cherished.

Carolyn (Burke) Deckers

Christopher Bowerman

November 8, 2010

Laura, John & Jeanne,

I was saddened to hear of the passing of your father. I realize that we lived next to each other only a short time when we were young, but the impact that your mom and dad made on my memories of childhood was great. I am sorry for your loss and wanted you to know that you and your families are in my thoughts.

Love Always.

Susan Klinger

November 4, 2010

I did not know John Olsson personally, but during the 16 years I worked in Georgetown I visited Olsson's Books & Records at least once a week and often more than that. I can't count the number of jazz and classical CDs I bought my husband or the books I bought for my sons or as gifts for family and friends. The Ritz photo counter at the front of the store was another reason to visit. The staff were unfailingly helpful and knowledgeable, a sign of a great boss who set high standards. Blessed be his memory, and condolences to all his family.

Eluned Schweitzer

November 4, 2010

Mr Olsson lives on in the memories of customers such as myself who spent many happy hours browsing the carefully chosen books and CDs in Olssons' Books and Records. He set a really high standard for booksellers, both in the store stock selection and in his staff. What he created will remain as a legacy and no doubt continue to be a model for others equally passionate about music and reading.

Doug Jay

November 3, 2010

I'm shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of John, the BEST boss I ever had. Although I never worked in the book department, for many years Record & Tape Ltd/Olsson's Books & Records were absolutely the best record shops in the Washington DC-area, bar none, and that was almost entirely due to the vision of John Olsson. I was proud to work there, I loved talking with him, and he always treated me as much more than an employee. He always seemed to care about people a lot more than the bottom line, and I have thought of him often since my days as his employee. My deepest condolences to his family. I hope that you'll find some small comfort in knowing how many lives he touched. He certainly touched mine, and I miss him. Godspeed, John.

November 3, 2010

Jeanne, I just saw your dad's obit and was deeply saddened. I was hoping I didn't miss his service and the opportunity to see you. I'm too late. I miss you and your wonderful energy. I was devastated when Olsson's Arlington closed. I met Caroline Kennedy there, Toni Morrison, and a slew of political boys. I didn't know your dad, but his Arlington store was home, and I spent my lunch hour next door at the Dupont Circle store. People thought I worked there because I knew where everything was and helped all the customers. If he was anything like you -- he was a lucky man. Much love, Karen Obert

Devon Sanders

November 2, 2010

Jeanne,

It's been a while since we last spoke. It's Devon, Marc's old buddy from back in the day. I just read of your father's passing and I just wanted to pass along my sincerest condolences. I only met him the once (at your wedding)and never got a chance to know him but I do know he raised a very good person in you. I still remember how sweet you were to me after my mom's passing and just want you to know how very much it was and still appreciated. You all are very much in my heart, thoughts and prayers.

202-286-9844

November 2, 2010

Jeanne, It's been a long time and I just wanted to pass along my condolences to you and your family. Gus Perez (Stevensville, MD)
301-613-2633

Paul Faatz

November 1, 2010

John Olsson created far more than just an amazing chain of book and record stores - he created an entire world. At no other time in my professional life have I been a part of as tight and closely-knit a community of brilliant, zany, creative, and supportive people as when I was an Olsson’s employee. Working with all of these amazing people, in this wonderful environment, caused my musical and literary horizons to grow faster and farther by far than they did during my college years. Though it’s been 16 or 17 years since I worked for Olsson’s, there’s not a day that goes by during which something - a book, a song, a CD, a FaceBook interaction, a reflection, a phone call, a poem, my “so many books, so little time” coffee mug - doesn’t trigger some sort of memory of those magical years of my life, working, learning, living, and loving in the house that John built. I know that my life would be unimaginably different had I not had the opportunity to work for Olsson’s. John was a wonderfully warm and supportive man, and his entrepeneurial vision had an enormous impact not only on the citizens of the DC area, but on those souls fortunate enough to work with and for him. The man and his works are sorely missed.

Claudia Wilson

November 1, 2010

Candace, I was sorry to hear of your loss. You and your children are in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong.
Peace, Claudia

Melissa Crider

November 1, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with Jeanne and the entire family.

Aaron Aylor

November 1, 2010

Candace, My Heart goes out to You. I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my Thoughts and Prayers. God Bless you.

Always,

Aaron

November 1, 2010

Jeanne and entire Olsson family, Your father was a very special man ! I have some of my fondest memories when i was young living on Olive dr. Always at your house playing pool and of course listening to the best and most current music. I am fortunate to have these lasting memories of such a wonderful man. He will be missed. My love to you all. Laurie Neal (Atlantic Beach,FL)

Amy Weiss

November 1, 2010

While my husband Jeffrey Searle was sick with his leukemia John called up and exchanged anecdotes about chemo. I know Jeffrey was greatly encouraged and glad to hear from John, and John attended Jeffrey's memorial service. Of course Olsson's was where Jeffrey and I met and working for Olsson's was one of the great experiences of my life.

Amy Weiss

November 1, 2010

My late husband, Jeffrey Searle, started Record & Tape Ltd. with John. When Jeffrey was dying of leukemia John got back in touch with Jeffrey and they talked about chemo and other stuff and Jeffrey was greatly cheered by John's call. I worked At Olsson's too, of course, and it was one of the best experiences of my working life. So sorry to hear of John's passing.

Eric Geer

November 1, 2010

John Olsson was a pioneer in the book and record business and may have opened the first book-record-coffee shop combination, years before the chains picked it up. He was also an extraordinarily kind and generous man, a mentor and a friend. I know I am not alone in saying that what I learned about music, books, business and people in my days at Olsson’s has stayed with me all these years and is a reflection of the calm guidance from the man at the helm. Some who worked in Georgetown in the late ‘70’s may share the feeling that it was a little bit of Camelot, a time in our lives not seen before, or since. We are all going to miss you, John.

Paul Miller

November 1, 2010

Olsson's Books and Records was a special place, full of hard-working, fascinating and memorable individuals. For me, the spirit of the shop was always a reflection of John Olsson himself, and I'll forever be thankful for his creation of a place that brought together so many wonderful people that are still a part of my life. With the rest of the his former employees and friends I offer sincere condolences to his family and join with those who mourn the passing of someone for whom I will always be proud to say that I once worked for.

Victoria Kurtz

November 1, 2010

To Candace, a dear childhood friend and former housemate: my heart is heavy with sorrow. I'll never forget the fun we had laughing with John over a glass of wine. He was a strong, quiet force who brought joy to his family and the love of books to countless people. He truly will be missed; and his memory will live in our hearts. All the best prayers and love to you and your family.

Lori Akguner

November 1, 2010

Jeanne - I'm so very sorry to hear about your dad. He was such an inspiration and it was a thrill for me to meet him.
Love you.

John ED Niles

October 31, 2010

To John Olsson, who was my boss, my friend and yes a trusted advisor. I respected him for his vision and his professionalism. He will be missed.

Chris Kerr

October 31, 2010

John Olsson was a visionary book and music seller whose gift to the cultural life of Washington, D.C. included several important stores and many employees who learned their trade at his elbow. I found him to be a deeply kind and accessible person. We send our condolences to his widow, children and siblings.

Raymond Brandwein

October 31, 2010

Farewell to my tennis partner, music consultant, and lifelong friend. You were of such strong moral fibre, such acute mentality, such zest for life. It has been my great good fortune to have known you. Godspeed!

Cate Hagman

October 30, 2010

Truly a man who touched a great many lives, and I know he changed mine. From a single life springs family, friendship, community, all manner of connections, and beauty.

With sorrow, and with sympathy for his family, friends, colleagues.

Mark Matthews

October 30, 2010

Deepest sympathies,

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