Robert L. Olson

1920 - 2012

1920 - 2012

Robert "Bob" L. Olson passed away April 11, 2012 of complications related to congestive heart failure.

Bob was born in Canning, South Dakota on August 12, 1920 to parents Josephine Bourk Ihli and John Ihli Jr. His biological father passed away when he was seven, and his mother later married Peter Olson. He attended school and helped out on their ranch, until the Depression forced them to sell off everything.

At nineteen, he joined the CCC's to help support his family. Then, Bob moved to Cashmere, Washington where he worked in the apple orchards. It was there that he met his wife, Lois L. Corporan, whom he married on Nov. 19, 1941. Bob and family moved to Oregon in 1943, where he worked in the Portland Shipyards during WWII.

For the rest of his working life, Bob was a proud plumber and pipe fitter, and a strong advocate for the P&P Union. He taught apprentices for several years at L.C.C. He was foreman for many of the familiar landmarks in our area such as Springfield Junior High, Sheldon High, several U. O. dorms, and the Weyerhaeuser paper mill. He enjoyed the camaraderie of the "Rusty Pipes", a group for retired plumbers and pipe fitters, for many years.

Bob was a member of Springfield Lutheran Church, and loved attending Bible studies and reading the Bible.

He was an avid gardener and early member of the Eugene Chapter of the Rhododendron Society. He loved to travel with his wife Lois, and recorded many trips with slides. He particularly enjoyed traveling to South Dakota to visit family and friends. Bob and Lois were "snow birds" traveling to Arizona each winter for ten years, where he was known as "Mr. Fix-It" by his friends.

Bob is survived by his wife of 70 years, Lois Olson; his son R. Jack Olson (Sandra), four grandchildren: Kevin Olson, Stacie Olson-Menezes, Michael T. Olson, and Jennifer Olson-Temple; and eight great-grandchildren; also his daughter Connie Erickson (Dave) and their 8 surrogate kids and 12 surrogate grandkids; brothers Harlan Olson and Pierce Olson; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Marcelain Huston.

A memorial service is planned for Tuesday, April 17th at 2 pm at Springfield Lutheran Church. Memorial donations may be made to Sacred Heart Hospice or a charity of choice.

The family is grateful to Dr. Alexander and the nursing staff at RiverBend Hospital, and the kindness shown to Bob by the staff at Sweetbriar Villa. We would also like to acknowledge the extraordinary kindness and support shown by Lois and Bob's neighbors.Please sign the guest book at www.registerguard.com/legacy