Thomas Arthur Olson, 81, of Sierra Village passed away on Oct. 23, 2019.
Thomas Arthur Olson was born March 27, 1938, in Rochester, New York to Irene and Art Olson.
Tom was born and raised in Rochester, New York. He earned his degree in electrical engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology before attending Stanford University. He began his career as an engineer working for Melabs in Palo Alto and then for Aertech, before founding his own company, Tomco in 1970 where he designed cable and CCTV equipment. Tom later sold the company, and in 1985, Tom and his wife Sue founded Olson Technology, Inc. in Sierra Village.
Tom's engineering designs have been embedded in almost every cable and fiber optic distribution system in America at one time or another. He helped pioneer the in-flight entertainment systems aboard aircraft around the world, and was heralded as a leader in the cable electronics industry.
His designs have been implemented in both civilian and military applications for decades, and his expertise sought after by major industry companies.
Tom's sense of humor was only preceded by his technical expertise. He jokingly prided his specialities as: "Raconteur, Bon Vivant, All Around Good Stuff!" And his LinkedIn skills were listed as being "proficient at deleting LinkedIn messages and endorsements." His quick wit and friendliness befriended all walks of life and he managed to crack a smile from even the toughest nuts around.
More than anything though, Tom was a man who loved his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Sue Olson, his three daughters, Tamara Turner, Joanne Pirnik, and Sara Olson, his son John Olson, his grandchildren, Joshua Turner, Sara-Kate Pirnik, and Molly Pirnik, and his brother Richard Olson.
He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather. He was an active contributor to his community, and a loyal friend to many. He will be deeply missed.
Family and friends who would like to attend, services for Thomas Olson will be held at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 2 at Terzich and Wilson Funeral home in Sonora and a burial service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday Nov. 4 at Mission City Memorial Park in Santa Clara, which as Tom would have pointed out, is just in time for Tuesday, which is Red's Tamale Day.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Sonora Union Democrat from Oct. 29 to Oct. 30, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Olson

Sponsored by Terzich & Wilson Cremation-Funeral Home.

10 Entries

Corey Swanton

March 26, 2025

I'm not sure how my grandpa knew this guy, but my grandpa (Robert Cancilla) built the engine for the Olson Technology stock car. I even changed a tire on the car when it was in the shop (with my grandpa, of course at age 3)! I also have a damaged rear bumper from the car.

Michael Salour

November 6, 2019

I had the pleasure to know Tom since mid 1980s and throughout the years we stayed in touch. In fact we last talked three weeks before his untimely passing. Tom was a man of extraordinary wisdom and a wonderful human being. The act of engineering innovation was a strong focus in Tom's career and he was indeed a very gifted engineer and was highly respected and admired by all who were privileged to know him. We shall all miss him and my thoughts and prayers are with Sue, Tamara, Joanne, Sara, John, and the rest of his family during this difficult time.
May he Rest In Peace.

NASCAR Winston West Series

Gary Anderson

November 3, 2019

Gary Anderson

November 3, 2019

Thanks for your help & support for the race team. My father always spoke how much he enjoyed your and Sue's friendship. Let the stories & memories flow. RIP Tom

William Eatmon

November 1, 2019

Tom Olson and I were Classmates and friends at RIT and graduated together in 1960. We went to separate jobs/locations after graduation, but came together in California in 1963. We have kept in touch with each other ever since. I am one day older than Tom and it was a shock to hear Tom had passed away since I did not know he was ill. It is a true loss to me and I know for his family. God Bless You Tom Olson and your family. I will miss our conversations.
William Eatmon, Pebble Beach California

David Galey

Sent Flowers

Tom in 2016

Ken Pyle

October 30, 2019

Great summary. I will miss Tom's witsdom the most. He always had the right saying to describe a complex problem in a clever way. It reflected how good he was at cutting through the noise and getting to the point of any matter. He was a productive engineer and shrewd businessman to the end. He was a man of great character and love of family and will be missed by many, but his words will live on through the many people he touched.