Milton Olson

Milton Lee Olson Sr.

Milton Lee Olson Sr. (Milt) peacefully entered rest on October 3, 2023, in Chico, California, at the age of 85.


Milton was born to Alfred Milton and Ida Mae Olson in Westwood, California, on February 16, 1938. Milton grew up with five siblings on his parents' farm in El Camino, California, graduating in 1955 from Red Bluff High School. After High School, he attended Chico State University. Milton left college to join the Army from 1957 to 1960 as a Russian Translator, spending most of his time in Germany during the Cold War. After serving in the Army, he returned to Chico, began his Law Enforcement Career of nearly three decades, and completed his degree in Public Administration. Milton held many positions throughout his career, including Police Officer, Detective, Police Lieutenant, and, before retirement, Chief of Police of Biggs, California. He lived in Alaska, Washington State, and California during his career. After his law enforcement career, he worked with troubled youth at a local boy's ranch. He was also a Facilities Manager for the Masonic Lodge of Chico.


Milton had a great zest for life and enjoyed many things, including spending time with family, cooking, and bowling. He also loved baseball as a player, coach, and umpire and belonged to the Chico Heat Booster Club.


Milton will be remembered fondly for his love of family, being a jack of all trades, his witty sense of humor, and being quite the prankster. He loved to sing, play guitar, and dance. He was wonderful with children, and anyone lucky enough to meet him would surely enjoy one of his magic tricks or his famous Donald Duck impersonations.


Milton's charismatic smile, charming and loving personality, and his innate ability to make us laugh will be deeply missed.


Milton is survived by his loving wife of over 32 years, Kathi (Campana) Olson. His children: Milton Jr., Dianna, Cassie (Shane), Carina, Lucinda, Travis, Mark, Chelsie, Shane, Crystal and Tristin. His Grandchildren: Amber (Antonio), Kayla, Connor, Shayna (Matt), Amanda (James), Christopher (Randi), Kendra (Ryan), Justin, Jeremiah, Corbin, Annabelle, Marky, Sammy, and Lilli Lou, his eighteen Great-grandchildren and his Brothers, Dale and Pete, Sisters, Lorraine, Patty (Dave) and Louise plus numerous nieces and nephews.


The family will announce a celebration of life at a later date. Donations can be made in Milton's honor at


https://gofund.me/da423e9a to help his wife with his medical and Tristin's ongoing expenses.


We want to thank the Arbor Post-Acute and Hospice of Enloe staff for their compassionate care of Milton and the grace they showed our family.