Lester Olson

Lester was born on November 11, 1947 in Pendleton, Oregon. He passed away on March 15, 2025 in Fargo, North Dakota.

Lester is preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Frieda Olson and his brother, Ronald Olson.

Lester and his family lived in Pendleton, Oregon, Spokane, Washington, Nampa, Idaho, and eventually settled in Tacoma, Washington.

When his dad worked for Morrison/Knutson, the family spent time in Peru and Venezuela. Lester's favorite memory was chasing scorpions with sticks.

And running around the Freighter while going through the Panama Canal. He and his brother had a great time, although the crew wasn't always pleased with these two little mischievous boys.

Lester attended Mt. Tahoma High School in Tacoma and after graduation, he enrolled in classes at Tacoma Community College.

In 1967, Lester joined the US Navy, serving 4 years.

Lester met Pat in 1969 and they married in Reno, Nevada on January 2, 1971.

Lester decided to go back to school, graduating with a BA in Civil Engineering from Oregon State University.

In April of 1979, Lester started his career in Civil Engineering with the City of Puyallup, Washington.

That same year, in October, Elizabeth Ann Olson was born to Lester and Pat.

Lester's favorite day, ever.

From day one, Lester dedicated his life to his family, taking on fatherhood as a great and loving and supportive dad.

Lester eventually took his Civil Engineering experience to Thurston County, Washington, as the Director of Roads and Transportation.

Lester loved going to work everyday.

He was a dedicated employee and treated staff with respect and support. And he was respected as well.

Lester believed that family comes first.

He and Pat took care of family off and on for 54 years.

Lester was a very kind man. He had a hearty laugh and a great sense of humor. He was involved in and supportive of the Puyallup School District. He was always helpful and supportive of Elizabeth's school activities and studies.

Lester and Elizabeth took two great father/daughter trips. One was to a dude ranch in Wyoming. The other trip took them across the states, checking out colleges for Elizabeth.

Lester and Pat moved several times over their 54 years of marriage and in September of 2024, they made their final move to Fargo, North Dakota, to be near their daughter and grandchildren.

Lester is survived by his wife, Pat, his daughter Elizabeth, (Tony), grandson, Krishna, and granddaughter, Thiruvanne.

Lester loved being a grandpa and enjoyed several road trips with Krishna and Thi, to visit family in Idaho and to just have fun at Ocean Shores, Washington and Seaside, Oregon.

Lester survived 3 cancer surgeries and 2 heart surgeries from 1970 to 2015. His body had finally worn out. As in his life, Lester made his last few weeks easy on his family, with continued kindness, understanding, and willingness to let his family take care of him.

Lester was greatly loved by family and friends and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Mr. Les., I promise to be kind, not spend a lot of money, and not talk too much. I Love You. Miss Pat