Michael Nils Olson

Michael Nils Olson - a 76 year-old resident of Kealakekua, Hawaii, passed away on
September 26, 2024, in the presence of his son, Jared, and hospice nurses who had
become his friends - one who prayed with him on many occasions. Michael's long-time
friend Craig Powell, Jared, and others had been there for him during his final years of
suffering from congestive heart failure. He had often expressed his readiness to be with
his Heavenly Father, and is now at peace - whole and joyful in God's presence.
Michael "Mike" was born on April 8, 1948, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Linwood and Juanita
Adeline Williams Olson. In 1970, he moved to Kona, Hawaii, where he raised his family.
He was a talented self-employed painter, carpenter, and craftsman. In his younger
years, he refinished furniture and crafted beautiful Hawaiian koa wood pieces, such as
cribbage boards, toys, cutting boards, and more, which he sold.
In his spare time he enjoyed watching sports, comedy, reading his favorite authors,
drawing portraits, seeking out the deep truths of scripture and golfing with a 10-11
handicap. He collected unique bottles and old coins, and took great pride in
maintaining a beautiful landscape adorned with tall palms and a variety of exotic plants
and fruits. His collection included coffee trees and an orchard of around fifty miniature
Chinese Pake (pah-kay) banana plants, which he loved to share with others.
Michael had a profound life-changing encounter with God after moving to Kona and
became one of the leaders in the Pilgrims ministry before marrying his then wife,
Sharyn. He loved sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and led many to the Lord,
including his own parents. Michael dreamed of continuing to tell people about Jesus
even in his final years, especially the homeless community in Kona. His family hopes to
continue his dream and legacy.
Michael's family takes comfort in knowing his spirit lives on and they believe he will
continue advocating for them in heavenly places. He will be deeply missed for his
unforgettable laugh, the wisdom he shared, and his good-humored spirit. With his
vibrant, "life of the party" personality, they can imagine him in heaven-singing,
dancing, and joyfully praising God with boundless enthusiasm.
He is survived by his four children: Julia Christine Willett, Michael Joseph Olson, Jared
Benjamin Olson, and Jessica Lynn Gibson. He is also survived by Sharyn Olson, who is
the mother of his children, as well as his brother, Roger Olson, of Houston, Texas. He is
further survived by five grandchildren: Isaac, Simon, Jesse, Maile, and Jaxon.
Private services will be held.