Gary William Olson

Gary William Olson

Redding, CA

Gary was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on January 31, 1928. He was the only child of his loving parents, Edith and Bill Olson.

Several years later they started their trek westward. They lived several years in North Dakota and Portland, Oregon. In 1936 they arrived in Redding, Calif., which was to become their permanent home. Gary went to the Redding schools, worked on Shasta Dam during the summer of his 16th birthday, joined the Navy on his 17th birthday and was sent to Shanghai China. After the end of WW II he returned home and enrolled at University of Chico, where he met and married his beloved wife Barbara Zackney. They were blessed with a son, Gary Michael Olson, a daughter Christine Diane Olson Stevens, a granddaughter Errica Lee Stevens, a grandson Derek Olson and a great grandson, Henry Olson.

Gary was a salesman and he loved it. In 1955 he opened his first used car lot "Olson Motors" with the logo "The Little Man with The Big Heart". His location was on the corner of Market St. and Sacramento St. in the heart of Redding. He remained at that location 10 years, and then moved across the Sacramento River on Cypress Ave. His was one of the first business to start on that side of the river. He remained at that location approximately 15 years, selling used cars and later changing to mobile homes, which he later changed the name to Leisure Homes.

Gary loved houseboating on Shasta Lake, playing golf, fishing, traveling, and sharing his life with his many friends. He was an avid animal lover, domesticated and wild.

He died peacefully at home after several years of ill health. He was 88 years old.

A private family service is pending.

Please sign the guestbook at http://obits.redding.com