Harvey Olsen

1930 - 2021

Harvey Olsen
October 14, 1930 - December 6, 2021
Boise, Idaho - Harvey George Olsen passed away on Monday, December 6, 2021. Harvey was born on October 14th, 1930 in Cheyenne, Wyoming to his parents Harvey Charles and Luella Woods Olsen. The family moved to Boise in 1931 and Harvey spent the remainder of his life in the Boise Valley.
Harvey attended Franklin School for most of his education, but, despite his distaste for the institution, he graduated from Boise High School as part of the class of 1949. He stayed close with the "Franklin Bunch" and looked forward to their reunions.
After high school Harvey enlisted in the U.S. Army in hopes of fighting in the Korean War; however, he was classified as unfit for service due to a childhood bout with tuberculosis. Instead, he proudly served in the National Guard.
In 1953 Harvey married the love of his life Dorothy and four years later they had their daughter Sue.
Harvey worked in the construction industry for 50 years with Gailey Construction, Morrison-Knudsen, and Kiewit before becoming self-employed by founding both Olsen, Loftus and Kimball and Harvey's Excavation. Harvey was also a business agent and member of the Operating Engineers Union, Local 370.
In his spare time, Harvey served as a pit steward at Meridian Speedway and was instrumental in building Firebird Raceway in 1971 . He co-founded the Kuna High School booster club and contributed to installing lights at the football stadium.
He also, reluctantly, attended many BSU football games at the behest of his wife, Dorothy, and always begged to leave after the first score.
Harvey's biggest passion was all forms of hunting especially duck and goose hunting. In the early years of his life, he spent time with his father, Harvey Charles Olsen, hunting throughout the state. His father was proud of his hunting prowess in his youth, and he loved spending time with him in the outdoors. Later in life, Harvey became a member of the Idaho State Bowhunters and was a proud lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.
Harvey was a wonderful, loving grandfather and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, Tyler, Brock and Samantha. He loved them very much and cherished every moment spent with them.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Lundgren Olsen, his daughter Sue Olsen, grandchildren Tyler (Lorie) Kimball of Mesa, AZ, Brock (Rachel) Kimball of Katy, TX, and Samantha (Travis) Harkins of Casper, WY.
He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren, Tryston, Garret, Brayden, Greyson, Hayden, Chloe, Remi, and Reyna.
At his request no services will be held. The family would like to thank everyone who called or sent notes offering prayers. Harvey will be missed but we know we will see him again one day.