Leon E. Olson Jr.

1924 - 2010

Leon Elwin Olson Jr., resident of Fairbanks since 1954, passed away at his home on Aug. 31, 2010.
Born in Oklahoma City, Okla., on Oct. 15, 1924, to Leon and Beulah Olson, Leon, affectionately known as "Sonny," was the firstborn and brother to Ora Royce, Ted Olson, Dolores Carroll, David Olson and Patricia Still, who feel great sorrow at his departure. Leon's youngest brother, Edward Olson, preceded him in death.
As a boy, Leon sold White Cloverine Salve for 25 cents per box door-to-door and was quite successful. He always tried to find a way to make pocket money, and more often than not he turned the money over to his parents during the Great Depression to help pay bills and keep food on the table.
Growing up, he teased his brothers and sisters by saving the Sunday comic sections of the newspaper and saying that he had them, but wouldn't let anyone else read them "for years." After much nagging and pleading, he would relent.
Before moving to Fairbanks Leon did many things, mostly in the lumber industry, including working on the Southern Pacific Railroad. In Fairbanks, Leon worked as a lineman, electrician, ran his own cab service, worked on the pipeline and had various businesses, such as owning and maintaining an apartment building, as well as a refrigerator-reselling concern.
Leon met Orlie "Buck" Lee Ennes shortly after he moved to Fairbanks and the two became near soul-mates, their friendship lasting until Buck's death in 1994. Leon and Buck went roller-skating in the early '50s, and met Lillian Joseph and her niece, Rita David. Leon fell in love with Lillian and Buck with Rita. during the years, Leon and Lillian stayed close to the Ennes family.
Leon was married to Lillian for almost 30 years. Devoted husband and wife, they also were great friends and laughed a lot. Leon and Lillian attended Episcopal services in Fairbanks as often as they could. Lillian died in 1992.
Leon was generous with people, especially his family. A brilliant scholar, he was an avid reader throughout his life. A varied hobbyist, Leon flew his own airplane. He and Lillian loved to travel, often going to California and Oregon to visit Leon's parents, brothers and sisters and their families. Leon and Buck used to fish and hunt together. A few times Leon brought moose meat to his family in California, and it was a new and interesting experience for everyone brave enough to try it. He also enjoyed cooking and was known to pressure-cook whole turkeys at Thanksgiving. In later years, he used the microwave.
A car enthusiast, Leon owned many interesting models including a 1935 Ford pickup (which he gave to his parents), a 1951 Jaguar XK120, a 1956 Imperial, a 1962 Crown Imperial (which he gave to his brother David), an Edsel and a Checker cab. Once, Leon worked two full-time jobs so he could afford the down payment on a 1951 Kaiser, which he really enjoyed.
Family members who will always remember and miss Leon include his sister Ora's children, Douglas Royce, James Royce, Melody Healy, Rhya Gilliam and Erik Royce; brother Ted's daughters, Gloria Chan, Elaine Pirnat and Carol Olson; sister Dolores' children, Wayne Gray, Michael Gray, Ronald Prince and Sharon Hudson; brother David's wife, Judy Olson and children David Olson, Jr., Becque Olson, Eric Olson, Daniel Olson, Edward Olson and Steven Olson; and sister Patricia's children, Kevin Still, Cheryl Hopkins, Debra Still-Shamsabadi and Michael Still.
Leon also will be mourned by his "Fairbanks Family" - Buck's children and grandchildren Arlene and Jeff Erickson and children Amanda, Shayla, and David; Orrie and Kammie Ennes and children Orrin, Cory, Karlie and Tanner; Orville Ennes; Mary and Mike Nelson and children Jessi and Jasen; and Lillian and Tim Erickson and daughter Lauren.
In 2005, Leon considered moving to California. He bought a van and Jeff Ennes helped him prepare it. But after further consideration, he decided to remain in Fairbanks. In January 2006, Leon fell and broke his back and despite dire predictions, he fully recovered and returned to his favorite activities.
Leon will be buried next to his beloved wife Lillian near the Tanana River.