Joseph Bernarr OLSON

1927 - 2021

OLSON, Joseph Bernarr (Age 94) Joe Olson passed away peacefully on December 6, 2021. A lifelong resident of Eastern Washington, Joe leaves behind a devoted family and a lasting impact on those who knew him. Born on September 23, 1927, to Samuel and Emma Olson, Joe grew up near the family homestead by Malo, WA, surrounded by his four siblings and many cousins. He attended school in Malo and Curlew before graduating from Colville High School in Colville, WA in 1945.

Serving in both the Navy and Merchant Marines, Joe traveled the world before attending Gonzaga University on the GI Bill, majoring in accounting and business. Joe married Joann Morrison on June 14, 1952, with three children then following in 1954 and 1955, all within 11 months. A prominent CPA within the Inland Northwest, Joe was active in the Spokane business community and served as president of Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce in 1966. He led the accounting firm, Avery, Olson, Christie, & Lyle, which served clients throughout Spokane and Northern Idaho, and later founded Spokane Computer, which is still in existence today.

Valuing hard work and integrity from a young age, Joe never missed an opportunity to pass those values on to his family. As a proud Swede and Olson, the family was of the utmost importance to Joe. He enjoyed connecting with close and distant relatives, and helmed many family reunions, bringing together generations of cousins from across the country, Canada, and Sweden. It was rare when he didn't tout the greatness of the Swedes or the Olson name.

Joe relished retirement, migrating every January to the couple's condominium in Maui to soak up the sun and warm weather, and reunite with close friends during the winter. He filled his days with morning walks on the beach, brunches with friends, whale watching on the lanai, and exploring the island. Joe and Joann spent each summer at the family lake cabin on Coeur d'Alene Lake, where Joe remained

busy going for a daily swim or walk chopping wood, viewing wildlife with the binoculars, and taking his grandkids tubing and water-skiing.

As a friend and family member, Joe was second to none. He cared deeply for others, and always believed in giving people a second chance. A life-long learner, Joe delighted in engaging in hearty debates with those willing to partake. You knew you were in trouble when he'd get a gleam in his eye during a discussion. Joe had the best smile and heart, and those who knew him will never forget his wry sense of humor, wit, intellect, and caring nature.

Joe's family will forever be indebted to Jeri, Mary, Cara, and Nancy for the loving care they gave Joe and Joann over the years. Jeri, Mary, and Cara remained with Joe during his final months, providing comfort to his family, knowing he was never alone.

Joe was preceded in death by his son, Larry Olson, and wife Joann. He is survived by his siblings Anita Cook and Don Olson (Sandy), two children Dan Olson (Lynn) and Sherry Olson; five grandchildren, Heather Swiderski (John), Courtney Payne, Greta Olson, Hanna Olson (Mike), and Karl Olson (Caitlin); and eight great-grandchildren. A private family entombment service for Joe was held at the Pines Mausoleum in the Spokane Valley, WA. Memorial services will be held in Spring 2022. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Spokane, 121 S. Arthur St., Spokane, WA 99202 or Union Gospel Mission, 1224 E. Trent Ave., Spokane, WA 99202.