Gordon L. Olson

Gordon:

Those of us who, like you, labor for the cause of the Muse Clio, think of you often as we work. We know you had many more contributions to make to our profession before your time was cut short. Rest assured that your accomplishments in life inspire us to continue the good example that you set.

Lee

Gordon:

Those of us who, like you, labor for the cause of the Muse Clio, think of you often as we work. We know you had many more contributions to make to our profession before your time was cut short. Rest assured that your accomplishments in life inspire us to continue the good example that you set.

Lee

To Christine and Family,
It has been many years since I resided in Michigan. But this is to inform you that I am offering a heartfelt condolence to you. For "Earth has no sorry that heaven will not, cannot heal!"
God Bless

Christine,
For some reason this week I was thinking about Gordon. So, I googled his name. Many years have passed, Gordan was a wonderful boss, as well as good listener. This man took a chance in hiring me to work at the old museum location. I am offering these heartfelt condolences to the entire family. "Earth has NO sorrow that heaven cannot and will not heal!"
God bless, keeping the faith always.

Christine... I was thinking about Gordan this week and am offering my belated condolences to you and the entire family. Gordan took a chance and hired me at the museum. I have moved on and was able to seek higher goals in life.
"Earth has no sorrow that heaven can and will not heal!!"
Gordon was great individual with many kind words as well as an open door always. For Gordan will/is greatly missed.

Gordon became my mentor and friend. I first got to know him from taking his class "Know Your City" in the late 1980s. I did not know we were only ten years apart. To me, he always felt like the wise, funny, caring elder uncle I never had. I could drop by his office anytime in the downtown Grand Rapids Library and he always found time to chit chat, share bits of wisdom, and make me smile. I looked forward to those drop-ins. His famous humor, insightful advice, and warmth for a historian-in-training I will always treasure. RIP! You are now history but will not be forgotten by many, many of us fortunate to know you.

Gordon was one of those characters bigger than life, and yet he came across as just a regular guy. Extremely talented but not full of himself. One filled with a wealth of knowledge, but no one ever felt inferior in his affable presence. When I hear or see his name, I smile. That, I suspect, is exactly the legacy he would want.

Christine, I´m so sorry to read of Gordon´s passing. There were more good times than I can recall - the Gilmour Gorillas and gatherings after the games, road trips for the Kent Base Ball club, his towering home runs, his stories and yarns, and always much laughter. Above and beyond, a gifted conversationalist and dedicated historian. Grand Rapids has lost such a resource! But has been forever enriched by the publications left behind. I´m grateful, privileged and enriched to have known him. Fred van Hartesveldt.

Thank you for charting history for future generations to enjoy. Your spirit is above Laramie Peaks, a great view.

From 1990-2012 I had the privilege of being Madame Scorekeeper for the Kent Base Ball Club. There are so many memories of the games plus scenic drives to and from games. Conversations were always interesting; no topics were off limits. In Bay City, Gordon had me give a radio interview explaining Vintage Base Ball terminology for the "cranks" aka fans. As my final act for the Kent Base Ball Club, I will note on the tally sheet that Gordon "Steam Train" Olson rang the bell and stated tally my ace Madame Scorekeeper. Huzzah for a job well done. You will be missed.

I am grateful that I knew Gordon through just one of his so many interests that he had a impact on - his founding of the Kent Base Ball Club. To us involved with the Ohio Village Muffins he was - "the Father of Michigan Vintage Base Ball. " Sincere condolences to his family and close friends. Doug Smith

There are no words adequate to relate what Gordon has meant to the community. Rest in peace dear friend.

Many fond memories of Gordon, especially those involving baseball: playing vintage baseball with the Kents and softball with the Bush Hogs, APBA games on winter evenings and shared season tickets for Whitecaps. Gordon was always a joy to be with!