John Alvin Olson
- Sep 22, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 23, 2025
John Alvin Olson, age 80, of Spokane Valley, Washington, passed away on August 30th, 2025.
John was born in Bonners Ferry, ID on July 22nd, 1945, the second of five children, to Omer Sophus Olson and Korra Marie (Grunerud) Olson. He graduated from Lewis & Clark High School in Spokane, WA in June 1963. Immediately following graduation, he joined the US Navy as a Hospital Corpsman (Medic) on the USS Repose at the age of 17. He was stationed in Camp Lejeune, NC and was deployed to Vietnam where he was exposed to Agent Orange. He was honorably discharged in August 1966, after his stay was extended by 2 months. He later attended Portland Community College where he received an AA Degree in Architectural Drafting, graduating in June 1971. From that point forward he was a resident of Spokane, WA.
On February 27, 1982, he married Mary Hersey, and they welcomed their first son, Tyler, later that year, with Shane, their second son, following three years later.
John was a very detailed and organized person, and his occupations were proof of that. They included Architectural Draftsman, Structural Draftsman, Construction Estimator, and Purchasing Agent for the US Postal Service, retiring in October 2009.
He loved hiking to the top of Beacon hill 3 days a week for over 30 years, camping, rollerblading, and bike rides. Among many talents, he played guitar, enjoyed wood working, and accomplished multiple building projects around his house over the years. He also dabbled as an inventor at times, and cut his own hair for most of his adult life.
John will be remembered for his quick wit, appreciation of jokes and puns, but above all, his abounding love and generosity with everyone around him. His primary source of joy was spending time with family, especially over dinner.
He is survived by his sons Tyler (Grace) Olson and Shane Olson, granddaughters Alicia and Lorah, brothers Omer/Butch (Sharon) Olson, Art (Fannie) Olson, Ted Olson, and sister Arlynn (Joe) Duchene. He was preceded in death by his parents Omer and Korra Olson.
We miss him dearly, but are so grateful for all the memories and love that he gave so freely.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM. Arrangements are being handled by Heritage Funeral & Cremation, 508 N Government Way, Spokane, WA 99224. Everyone who knew John is welcome to attend and celebrate his life with us.
Please RSVP at the link below.
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