John E. Olson

John and I had some intense times when I was an intern. He didnt suffer fools gladly and I learned very quickly that he expected nothing but excellence. He was a fierce advocate for his patients and we grew to have a mutually respectful and rich professional relationship. One thing that I was always very careful to do when I requested a consultation was to have my act together. I knew he expected that because his standards were very high and patients always came first. I was an OBGYN physician and was grateful to have a surgeon colleague like John. What a great man and a great surgeon he was!

I was very saddened to hear of John's passing. He was an excellent surgeon and will be missed by many. My husband highly respected him and believed he was one of the best. My deepest condolences.

Rita, we are saddened to learn you lost the love of your life and we lost a life time friend.

Dr. and Mrs. Robert L. olson
Lewiston, Idaho

We are so sad to learn of John Olson's death from one of the Cooperstown newspapers. John's patients always came first and they could expect only the very best from him in every way possible. There was no second best effort, no compromises to the quality of his care and the very highest expectations from himself and from all those around him. What a giant he was to Bassett and in global battle against cancer. John will always be remembered as a caring physician, surgeon and person. He will be missed by us and by all whose lives he touched. Denise and I will be unable to make his memorial service but to Rita and his family we offer our heartfelt sympathy.

Steve and Denise Nagy

Mrs. Olson and family,
I worked with Dr. Olson in the surgical clinic. I was at the front desk. His patients, co-workers and friends love and adored him. He taught me that showing you care can make a huge difference. One of my fondest memories is when I took a clinic sheet back to him because I could not read what he wrote, and he started to laugh and say "Neither can I". He made a difference in so many peoples lives. My heat held sympathy to you and your loved ones ~~

Dear Rita~
John was a wonderful teacher and great friend...I was privileged to have known him and honored to have worked under him. He will be missed!
My sincere sympathy to you & your family~ Suzanne DeMulder

Rita and family,
I enjoyed working with Dr. Olson thru the years at Bassett. Be was a brilliant physician and person. It was an honor to know him.

My sympathy to you and your whole family

Carolyn (Smith) Elwell

John was a great neighbor

Dr. Olson,
I shall miss you after working many years with you. I learned more from
you than any other person.
Rita--I feel bad that I won't make his service as I am in Myrtle Beach, SC. As
you know,he will be missed by many. I know he was so proud to finally have a
grandchild. My sympathy to you and your family at this difficult time.
Sincerely, Carol Bressett

Dr. Olson was a role model and an inspiration to me when I was a young intern. He was tough, but quality patient care always came first. I am deeply saddened that he is gone.