LANESBORO -- Neil E. Olsen, 48, of 333 South Main Street died Monday at home, the victim of a homicide.
Born in Pittsfield on Aug. 15, 1956, son of Harold and Ruth Pike Olsen of Pittsfield, he was a 1974 graduate of Pittsfield High School. He studied art at Southerneastern Massachusetts University, now the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, and business administration at Berkshire Community College.
Mr. Olsen had owned and operated Olsen Sign since 1985. He was known for his art work on firetrucks, and on many cars, trucks and signs for local and national businesses. He apprenticed with Pittsfield Neon Sign, Industrial Sign and Callahan Sign Co.
He was a member of United Methodist Church of Lenox. He enjoyed rebuilding, refinishing and detailing old cars and trucks. He also enjoyed nature and animals.
He and his wife, the former Patricia Hall, were married May 28, 1994.
Besides his parents, of Pittsfield, and his wife, he leaves three brothers, William H. Olsen of San Carlos, Calif., Frederick A. Olsen of San Jose, Calif., and A. Carl Olsen of Raleigh, N.C.; a sister, Elizabeth A. Olsen of Santa Rosa, Calif.; a stepdaughter, Amanda Robinson of New York state, and a stepson, Christopher A. Robinson.
FUNERAL NOTICE -- Services for Neil E. Olsen, who died Jan. 10, 2005, will be conducted Saturday at 1 at WELLINGTON FUNERAL HOME in Pittsfield by the Rev. Eric Dupee, pastor of United Methodist Church of Lenox. Calling hours at the funeral home will be from 10 until the time of the service. Following cremation, burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Berkshire Humane Society, 214 Barker Road, Pittsfield.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Hiram Brooks
July 29, 2022
NEIL was wonderful person , Sad to learn of what happen to him, I know he will do well in the spirit world and he still lives . Very sad .
Hiram AL Brooks
November 7, 2020
Neal his Brother Carl were like brother's to me, they both are wonderful people and I am sadding to learn what happen didn't know until 2018, I know the family will join him in the spirit would where is for ever loved. Bless you all.
AL Brooks
Peter Evangelista
January 28, 2005
Shock and sadness is all I can say.
Neil and I along with other great friends shared in his art and also his love for music. I still fondly reflect on the times we would play and record music at his home for hours. Although I have'nt seen Neil since I moved to Connecticut, I allways wondered what he was up to. A tragic sensless loss of a very caring and talented individual. I know I'll NEVER forget what a great friend he was. Bless You Neil And Your family.
Karen & Rich Rollins
January 18, 2005
Entire Olsen family
Words cannot begin to express our shock and sadness.
We are praying for all of you.
Fred: If we can do anything for you out here, PLEASE let us know.
Karen & Rich
Peter Farias
January 15, 2005
Mr. and Mrs. Olsen and Family
I've known Neil since we were 14 years old.
There are no words that can say how much of a loss of Neil is to us all...
He is already dearly missed by me.
May he rest in peace....
Brenda (Leon) Calderwood
January 15, 2005
Dear Ruth, Harold and family,
I just heard the shocking news of Neil's passing. My heart and soul are very heavy today. Although I have not spoken with Neil for many years, I thought of him often. He was a kind and dear man who showed love and patience to all around him. He will be dearly missed and I will continue to think of him often. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Brenda
Terry and George Baumann
January 14, 2005
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Neil's family. This is such a tradgic loss of such a gentle soul. None of us can possibly feel the deep heartache this has caused you all, but know that there are many friends in the community that are praying to ease your pain. God be with you, George and Terry
michael schindler
January 14, 2005
TO NEIL'S FAMILY,OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO YOU ALL.
NEIL WAS ONE OF MY BEST FRIEND, AND LIKE A MEMBER OF MY FAMILY.
WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU AND ALLWAYS KEEP YOU IN OUR HEARTS
GOD BLESS YOU,AND REST IN PEACE
MICHAEL,LUCY,MICK AND KEITH SCHINDLER
Anita Virgilio
January 14, 2005
To the entire Olsen family,
We had the pleasure of meeting Neil many years ago. He was an extremely humble man with an amazing talent. His art work was incredible and clearly, his passion. He had some great ideas and original designs that he shared with us. We're so fortunate to have them now, as a reminder of what an amazingly talented person he became.
We're so sorry that you all have to experience such an unthinkable tragedy.
To Neil,
Thank you for some great memories, that great smile and all of your talent. We'll miss you and we'll never forget you.
Rest easy, our fine friend.
Gary and Anita Virgilio
Marci Bratcher
January 13, 2005
I worked with Neil many years ago at a sign company. We spoke of his desire to have his own business, and I knew that with his talent he would be a success. My thoughts and prayers for healing go out to his family for their terrible loss.
Marybeth Weisberg (Keehnle)
January 13, 2005
On behalf of the entire Keehnle family, our sincerest condolences to all members of the Olson family. We are so very saddened and sorry for this tragic loss. Neil had been a wonderful friend to my Brother, Kevin, since childhood. He was like another member of our household when we were growing up. We will all remember him very fondly, and pray for healing for all of Neil's family and friends.
Amanda Olsen & Dan Lowrey
January 13, 2005
Dear Uncle Harold, Aunt Ruth, progeny and Pat:
Dan and I are at a loss of words upon hearing about this devistating turn of events. We cannot imagine the depth of your pain. Neil was a gentle, gifted soul who reflected well of his family's teaching and guidance. He also provided inspiration to Dan to continue to pursue his own business. We will miss him and keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Amanda Olsen & Dan Lowrey
January 13, 2005
Dear Uncle Harold, Aunt Ruth and progeny:
Dan and I are at a loss of words upon hearing about this tragic event. We cannot imagine the depth of your pain. Neil was a gentle, gifted soul who reflected well on the upbringing you gave him. He also provided inspiration to Dan to pursue his own business. We will miss him and keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
New York Resident
January 13, 2005
I would like to send my deepest sympathies for your loss. May Neil rest in peace and my prayers are with you all.
God Bless You All!!
Dave Healey
January 13, 2005
To Harold & Ruth....
As your former next door neighbor, I'd like to extend my sincerest condolences over your loss. I met Neil at least twice and found him to be very personable and forthright. Once again, I'm truly sorry for your loss.
Barb Schindler
January 13, 2005
To the Olsen Famliy,
I am very sorry for your lost.Neil will be remembered in many peoples hearts and minds,with the greatest joy and love.My prays and wishes go out to you, and my god give you strenght at your time of sorrow.Wishing you the best Barb.
tom and sally nerney (shamrock village)
January 13, 2005
We are so very shocked and saddened by this uncalled for tragedy, know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this terrible time for you and your family, neil was a great man.
Keith Barnes
January 13, 2005
Neil was a great person who will forever be missed by all. Condolences to his family.
Kudge Barnes and Family
Denny Roberts [c&d trucking]
January 13, 2005
What a loss-----Neil was a true artist-----So sad that all that talent was taken away from all of us that he had touched in his life. May you rest in pease.
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