Dr. Martin G. Olsen

Dr. Martin G. Olsen, longtime Colorado Springs psychologist, passed away October 29, 2016 after a valiant struggle with critical injuries sustained in a car accident on October 5, 2016.

Martin (Marty) Olsen, son of Martin and Margaret Olsen, was born in Winona, Minnesota on May 9, 1930. After high school at St. Thomas Military Academy, where he graduated with honors, Marty moved to New York City, where he attended college at Fordham University.

After two years of studying business at Fordham, Marty decided to enter the seminary to study philosophy and theology to become a Roman Catholic Priest. Six years later, in 1957, he was ordained in Minnesota, where he served in several positions with the Diocese of Winona. He taught every grade, from kindergarten to college. In his 14 years as a priest, Marty also taught part-time at three colleges and finally was a chaplain for Catholic students at Winona State University for five years, where he also earned a Master's degree in counseling. While both were working in campus ministry, Marty and Betty McCormick developed a deep friendship that grew into a loving relationship. After moving to Colorado and earning a doctorate degree in counseling and education, Marty decided to leave the priesthood, fulfilling a strong desire to marry and have a family. Receiving a dispensation of his priestly vows from Rome, he married Betty on August 21, 1971 in Fort Collins, CO. Following their wedding, they settled in Colorado Springs, where he became an assistant professor in the Psychology Department at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS).

Betty and Marty raised two children, Eric and Kirsten. During this time Marty developed a private practice of psychology that grew so large that he left the teaching that he loved and devoted himself to a full-time psychology practice as a licensed clinical psychologist with an emphasis in marriage and family counseling.

Also during these years he served a term as president of the El Paso County Psychological Society. Marty also was the founding president of the Colorado Division of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Marty gave lectures in several states and abroad. In 1988 he was named a Fellow for the AAMFT, its highest award.

Marty always remained very active in the Catholic Church, serving on the Governance Team for the Diocese of Colorado Springs and was elected for two terms as the First Chair of the Diocesan Pastoral Committee in 1996 & 1997.

Marty is survived by his loving and caring wife, Betty, of 45 years. He is also survived by his two wonderful children: Eric (wife, Kristen) and Kirsten (husband, Colin Cahill). Marty also had a deep love for his five grandchildren: Fletcher, Anders and Piper Cahill, and Carter and Xavier Olsen.

Marty will be remembered for his kindness, devotion to family, strong faith and wonderful sense of humor.

An Evening of Remembrance, open to all, will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 11, 2016 at Benet Hill Monastery (3190 Benet Lane, Colorado Springs, CO 80921) with a Mass of Christian Burial at the same location on Saturday, November 12, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. followed by interment at the Benet Hill Monastery Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Benet Hill Monastery or a charity of your choice.