Gary Olson, 82, of East Kane, PA
Gary Olson of East Kane, 82, passed away on February 8, 2024, surrounded by his family at Cole Memorial Hospital in Coudersport.
Born on June 19, 1941 in Kane, Pa, he was the son of the late Harold and Virginia Olson. Gary loved Kane and lived his entire life there.
He worked at Stackpole Carbon company as a machinist for 45 years until he retired in 2004. He was also an expert carpenter who built and restored structures in Kane.
Gary was an outdoor enthusiast, with 22 years in the Pennsylvania Game Commission and taught gun safety school for 30 years. He enjoyed woodworking and created many interesting whirligigs and jewelry boxes. Gary enjoyed music and loved the Blues and Elvis. He played clarinet and saxophone flawlessly after decades of not using an instrument. Ham radio was a passion, and he stayed in touch with his community for many years as an Extra Class Operator. He also loved poetry and could still recite “The Shooting of Dan McGrew” by Robert W. Service by heart in his last days.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carol (Malmstrom) Olson, daughter Sherry Olson, son-in-law Larry Phillippy, granddaughter Lauren Olson Klein, brother and sister-in-law Gale (Skip) and Ann Olson, sister and brother-in-law Linda (Tom) McCormack and many nieces and nephews. Gary also was close to his brother and sister-in-law Ed(Julie)Malmstrom. He is preceded in death by his son Jeffrey Eric Olson.
As a hobby, Carol and Gary loved to geocache all over Pennsylvania and New York, stashing caches and dining out during their conquests. For many years they cultivated a large garden in East Kane.
There will be a celebration of life in his honor at the East Kane Methodist Church where he was a member on Sunday, February 11 at 1:00 p.m.. All are welcome.
Burial will be in Mt. Tabor Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the East Kane United Methodist Church or to the donor’s choice.
The Cummings Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of services.