As we prepare to join our Olson family at Sunup Bay, our thoughts are filled with warm memories of  Dennis who loved this special day and all it represents: faith, family, friends, and patriotism! Blessings to all those who loved him so very much!

In my mind, July 3rd will always be "Dennis Olson Day." Ron and I have spent the majority of our July 3rd's the past 17 years celebrating with the Olson's at Sunup Bay Resort, enjoying the amazing fireworks Dennis worked so hard to promote. July 3, 2021, was the most memorable as we honored Dennis who passed away earlier in the day.  Dennis was the embodiment of the citizen President John Kennedy must have envisioned when he delivered the famous line, "Ask not ... ." Dennis took action instead of complaining about entitlement as a citizen of the nation he loved! 

Thinking of Dennis today - his love for our country, his love for our flag, his love for Jesus. Looking forward to seeing you again soon in heaven. 

Remembering  a very special cousin.  Janyne Claas,  Milwaukee, Wisconsin 

My name is Kathy Riggs Wiles. I met Dennis over 30 years ago when he was a principal at Chester Elementary in Spokane Valley and I was the Public Relations Rep for STCU. I went around to all the schools and taught the teachers CATT, computer aided telephone transfer service that STCU provided (before the internet!) I really got to know all the principals in Spokane. 
Dennis was extra special. He was so friendly and actually seemed happy to see me in his school. He also really liked and appreciated the dedicated work that my mother, Rosemary Riggs, did as the Payroll Official for Central Valley School District for many years. 
Then in 2015, my husband, Dean and I were fortunate to buy a place right next door to Dennis and Sharon at Sun-up Bay on Coeur d’Alene Lake, Idaho. Dennis showed us the ropes about living and being in the community at Sun-up Bay. He was so friendly, always telling us that if we needed anything, a tool or help, come see him! He also made sure we knew we could come over and watch the Seahawk games at his place anytime we wanted, even if he wasn’t there because we didn’t have television service out there. 
And then there was the 3rd of July celebration at Sun-up Bay, honoring our great country. He made sure we were all ready for that.  What a great legacy he left our community with! 
Lastly, but not least. The love, encouragement and prayers that Dennis and Sharon gave me regarding my family last summer were so appreciated and help me so much. It meant the world to me. 
Sun-up Bay will still be a great place to enjoy the summer, but it won’t be the same without Dennis. 


Our family was blessed to have loved Mr. Olson! He always shared a kind word or thoughtful compliment. He was certainly proud of all his students and delighted to hear what paths their lives had taken since elementary school. Thank you for being such a positive influence in our lives...
John, Bryan, and Max Riggs
Michelle and Sandy Riggs 

And every time we dock our boat, we will thinking fondly of your advice..."Don't stop your engine until you've tied your ropes"


When Dennis first contacted me to arrange a meeting, I was a little surprised.  Why would the new principal of the new Liberty Lake Elementary School want to meet with me, the incoming PTSA president?  Well, I soon found out.  Building relationships was very important to Dennis and he wanted to have a strong working relationship with the school's PTSA board and members.  For many years after that, I learned so much from this strong, loving mentor and friend.  He would hand me a John Maxwell leadership book that he thought would benefit me and my future.  He encouraged me to be active in the volunteer community and, eventually, to be on the CVSD school board.  But, most of all, he always pointed anyone he knew to Jesus.  He truly believed the most important thing in anyone's life was their faith in God and trusting Him completely through all of life's good and bad times.  I will dearly miss this man,  but I will never forget his example and what he taught me.

We have so many memories of this wonderful, Godly, patriotic man. He was an encourager to me (Al), often giving me positive comments on my teaching. But he was mostly just a good friend - one to talk to, confide in, pray with, eat with. We will miss our meals together at Fiesta Grande, and our conversations about life, and about the things of God. So glad that we know we will see him again!

Reading the other sentiments, it's easy to see that Dennis was an inspiration to so many from his family, church, students, staff, and friends.  Dennis also had a tremendous impact on the Sun-Up Bay community.  Of course the obvious one is through the display of patriotism with the annual fireworks show.  Dennis and his family spent countless hours arranging details, compiling the music, feeding the pyrotechnicians, and announcing the show. Dennis was a positive influence for so many.  Flags fly at many of the Sun-Up Bay units because Dennis provided and encouraged them.  He and Sharon have been a positive role model for many of the youth at Sun-Up. Even his daily 10:30 break time had a positive impact. He was a great man. We will all miss him.

I have known Dennis since he first came to Sun-Up Bay.  He was a great dad and was always involved in Brandon’s and Ben’s lives and imparted fatherly wisdom, not only to his sons but to all of us kids.  He showed kindness in many ways by inviting us to dinner and he and Sharon gave me a gift when I had surgery a week after I first met them!  Dennis took an active interest in my career in education and always asked questions and offered advice.  I remember when Dennis first started talking about starting the fireworks at Sun-Up and his enthusiasm for the project.  He became the voice of Sun-Up Bay’s Independence Day celebration and I would look forward to his music selections every year.  Dennis was a man of great character, civic responsibility and a role model for others.

My first introduction to the Olson Family was through Sharon. I student taught across the hall from her in 1980-81 at Adams Elementry. Then I met Dennis. Many years later, one summer day in August of 1998, Dennis called to offer me a teaching position at the new Liberty Lake Elementary. I took the position and our friendship began. Dennis liked that we were both organized and neat nicks! He would tease me if something on my desk was out of place! He was kind and caring to teachers, kids, and parents. Being a Liberty Lake Patriot will always hold a special place in my heart. Dennis stood for all the right things in life. His service today was a perfect reflection of the man he was. God Bless America and may you RIP Dennis. 💙❤️

Before Dennis’s blue truck, I rode in his beautiful white big car (Cadillac??) to Bible Quiz matches with Dennis and Sharon as our coaches. After one match we stayed in the car and thought it would be funny to change all the dials so when he got back in the wipers would go off, the radio would be blaring, the air would be on, the time would be wrong...but it wasn’t so funny when we heard we broke the analogue clock and he had to take it to the dealer to be fixed.  He never got mad at us or said anything. In fact he became my first employer. First babysitting his boys, then house sitting and finally as my boss at my first teaching job.
From my early spiritual formation to launching my career to being a life long inspiration of integrity, loyalty, and passion for life, Dennis’s legacy will continue on in my life.

Couldn't begin to share just A favorite memory.  His sense of humor and ability  to handle all his staff in stressful times with it really made working with him wonderful.  My most cherished memory would have to be the morning of 9/11.  He brought the whole school to the gym we shared an out loud prayer then a minute of silence...followed by the song I'm Proud  to Be An American.  Students spontaneously stood.. many of us crying...it was the RIGHT  thing  to do.  So proud to work with such a Patriot.

What an awesome family! Dennis will be missed on this earth, but is with his heavenly father now. My condolences to the whole family! I always loved seeing how he got into working on the pinewood derby cars and enjoyed listening when he played the trumpet at church. Take care Olson family our prayers are with you!

I first met Dennis 20 years ago. I was directed by HR to go meet with him for my new job at Liberty Lake Elementary. My current schools were shutting down (Keystone) and counselors were being reduced to one per building (North Pines Junior High). I drove to Liberty Lake, walked into the building and to his office. I had never seen Dennis before so I have no clue what he looks like. I walk to his door and introduce myself. With a total pokerface he says “How can I help you?”  I got really nervous that no one told the guy that I was his new counselor!  He let me squirm for a few seconds and then burst out laughing. He said, “I know who you are. Welcome aboard!”  With a big handshake that became the beginning of a friendship that I have always cherished. 
     Dennis always took the time to explain things.  The first thing he did was proudly walk me around the school and show me the flagship building. At this same time he informed me that I would be there longer than him and he wanted someone else to know how everything worked. I asked why and he said, “It’s a surprise. “  The surprise? He was retiring!
   The one thing that people probably aren’t aware of is Dennis and I ate lunch together almost everyday when the recesses were over. I cherished this time the most. We never really talked work. Our conversations surrounded family, life events, and our walk as Christians. Let me make something clear at this point. When a young man (me) gets to sit with a wise man (Dennis) it’s a privilege. I am so grateful for his advice and friendship. To this day I can still hear his voice, us sitting at the lunch table and fellowshipping.  It changed the course of my life. Thank you Dennis for your willingness to invest. I miss you but will see you someday (hopefully not too soon 🤣).  I love you and your family.  Thanks for letting me be a part of that. And when we prayed together over lunch each day, we always said, “In Jesus name. Amen” And that friends, is what it’s all about. ❤️

Dennis was the principal that hired me. I am so very grateful for his faith in me as an educator, this one event changed my life and that of my family forever. I was always so impressed with his integrity! He practiced an open door policy and was always ready to lend a listening ear, a friendly smile, and solid advice. He was always even-keeled, and didn’t even get riled when the pet snake from my classroom escaped! Dennis influenced and positively impacted the lives of thousands of people in his career. Thank you, Dennis!

We were lucky to call Mr. Olson our Principal when Liberty Lake Elementary opened after both having had Mrs. Olson as our teacher. Some of our fondest memories of Mr. Olson were school assemblies during which he shared his passion and joy for supporting learning of all students. He was always smiling and laughing, and he made sure every child felt cared for and successful. As a school leader myself, I hope to one day be half the principal Mr. Olson was. Sending our love to Mrs. Olson, Brandon, and Ben.
-Rachelle & Janelle

Dennis was the first principal my kids Randi & Bryan had after we moved to Liberty Lake in 2001.   I  remember him being so welcoming and having an open door to anyone who needed to chat.  For several years I worked with Dennis as part of the LLE PTSA.  As president I looked forward to  our Monday morning meetings discussing what was happening at LLE and then just talking about family.  Dennis was so proud of his boys and I still remember how excited he was when Brandon was offered a job at LLE.
Every May while walking with the CVHS marching band it was always fun to looking for the Olson family along the Lilac Parade route and jumping out of the parade for a minute and give them hugs. 
I will think fondly of Dennis  and his partriotism.  Veteran's Day asssemblies were always a highlight.  He would make sure invitations were extended to all Veterans in our community and in his red, white & blue tie he would express his gratitude for their service.
Dennis will be missed by many and I am so proud to have known you.

I remember the first BBQ at the new Liberty Lake Elementary. It was windy, so the BBQ's were brought in under the eves. Cooking away for 1,000+ people, and then pop, click, click, click.  The fire suppression sprinklers went off, spraying brackish water all over the burgers and hot dogs being cooked.  Dennis met and made peace with the fire department when they arrived.  He was very gracious, and had great joy in reminding me of this for many ensuing years!

We have loved and respected Dennis and Sharon for many years since we first began attending Valley Assembly.   They have greatly encouraged our family and been a joy to get to know through the years.  One meaningful memory of Dennis came after our daughter Emma finished singing a solo at church.   Dennis came up to her, slipped $50 into her hand and told her what a beautiful job she did.  As a young girl, she was blown away at his generosity!  He also went on to encourage her to always use the gift God has given her to bless others in song...as she had blessed him so many times with her singing at Valley.   That meant so much to us and we believe God will continue to use Emma's gift to bless others...just as Dennis had wanted.
We love the Olson family!
Mandy and Justin Flaa 

My heart aches for Sharon, Brandon, Ben and the entire Olson family.   Dennis was a great guy and a dear friend.   He was just a fun person to be around.  His smile and laugh were always at the ready  and he was so skilled at helping others maintain perspective.  

I first met Dennis nearly 50 years ago when he began teaching in CVSD.    From the very beginning, Dennis was the guy who was always willing to lend a hand.   If you needed help with a backyard project; call Dennis.  If you needed a stereo speaker repaired, call Dennis.  If there was a challenging committee to be formed; call Dennis.   If you wanted some unfiltered advice; call Dennis.

As a principal, he was a servant leader who lead by example and encouraged those around him to be to be their very best self.   Dennis was the person I selected to be the first principal of Liberty Lake Elementary School.   He single handedly shepherded the school planning and construction from beginning to completion and then went on to serve as the school's principal.   It was a herculean task, and Dennis made it all look easy.    

Dennis will be sorely missed, but he will be remembered as a person of integrity who lived his values and inspired a host of others along the way.    Take solace in knowing the memories and love you had throughout the years live on in your heart and will last forever! 



I met Dennis for the first time in 1999 when I first started my CV custodial job at Liberty Lake Elementary.  He had a big smile and I immediately felt welcome right away.  He would stop in and visit with us during summer cleaning.  I was only there for six months but he made a strong impression on me.  He set a high bar for leadership at CV.  Later, I took a position at Ponderosa where I worked with Sharon.  Dennis would stop by when I was working outside and we would chat.  He was very personable and cared about people.  I will miss him.  Prayers to Sharon, Ben, and Brandon.

Dennis was one amazing man who married my cousin who is more like a sister to me! Dennis loved his family, his God, and his country with passion! His impact on many lives will be felt for a very long time. He poured himself into his family, his many students, his church and his community and he will be missed immensely! We will see you in heaven!! My Larry met you there 3 days later and I know you are having a wonderful reunion!

Best/worst memory…. 
“The Snowball”
1980’s winter  Sunday night after-church snowball fight in the GT parking lot… I’m sure we weren’t aiming for Mr. Olson’s “immaculately maintained” vehicle, but somehow a giant freshly pack ball of snow made its way through the open driver’s door and smashed into the beautiful dash…an icy, dirty, wet, dripping slushy mess. We were MORTIFIED. Dennis was not happy! 
-Dennis was my first employer-as a young teen I was Brandon and Ben’s babysitter.  Babysitter-heaven with AMAZING  kids, the best tv sound system around, good snacks  AND a hot tub! 
-Dennis was my JH Sunday school teacher… I was in awe of his teaching… I was always a little nervous because he’d ask us questions at the end  so we had to listen carefully and be prepared to answer!
-Dennis got me a job the summer I graduated from high school at his amazing neighbor’s business, Falco’s Nursery and Stoves.  Loved that job! 
-Dennis was a great advocate of the teaching profession. After he picked me up to babysit, he’d spend the 10 minute drive with me a captive in the passenger seat of his blue Toyota 4Runner reciting 101 reasons why I should become a teacher. It worked! 
-I will always have great admiration for this man I spent my childhood watching  honor God in all he did,  faithfully attending  church with a 100% participation. He outwardly showed his appreciation for God, music, patriotism, doing things right, family, and his passion, education.  
Dennis Olson was an honorable man!!!!! 

I bought Dennis' blue Toyota pick-up from him. That 1st Friday after school, he ask me what I was doing for the weekend.   When I told him I was headed to Seattle I think he wanted to take the truck back, because it had never been that far from Spokane.  I think I trippled the mileage he had driven by the 3rd year. 

Dennis Olson had a profound impact on the teacher that I became. It all started in his class education 101 at SCC. He began every class telling us how glad he was to see us that day. We got donuts when people cell phones went off. We learned the importance of building relationships with our students. Everyday of my teaching career I have told my students that I love them and it all stems from the lesson where Dennis reminded us that if we don’t tell them we love them they might not hear it that day. Dennis Olson you were loved and your legacy will carry on in the name of Jesus our Lord. 

Where do I begin? Friends for over forty years Dennis has been a consistent iron sharpen iron man of God. He lived well, ended well and lived with the end in mind. I am so blessed to have Dennis as a friend and example of Christ.

My first memory of Dennis was when he taught the Young Marrieds' Sunday School class my husband, Ron, and I attended. 

One Sunday Dennis told a story about  his young son's misbehavior. He shared how he took into consideration what was happening in his young son's world before administering discipline. Grace-based discipline wasn't in vogue at that time, and I recall a woman in the class disagreeing strongly with Dennis' approach. I didn't say anything, but remember thinking how much this teacher reflected the heart of God, who considers first the heart rather than simply  behavior when disciplining His children. 

I held the memory of this story closely. 

Fast forward some 20 years. I knew my daughter was falling in love with Brandon, Dennis' older son. One of my first thoughts was the possibility of Sarah and Brandon marrying and having children of their own. I felt such assurance that Brandon would be a great dad, partially because of the example of his great dad. 

 I have enjoyed being Brandon's M-I-L for almost 14 years.  
Ron and I  loved sharing the joys of grandparenting Emalynn and Reeve with Dennis and Sharon! I'll miss sitting next to Dennis at one of the children's Christmas programs, dance recitals, or sporting events beaming with pride because of the blessings we shared. 

Heaven welcomed a good man on July 3, 2021. Rest in peace, G'Pa Dennis!  The legacy you leave behind will be felt through many generations!  
 



I, along with many other highly ambitious and creative Central Valley School District teachers, had the distinct honor and privilege of working under Dennis' strong leadership in the planning and development of the (then) brand new Liberty Lake Elementary School (1998-99).
Dennis had the rare ability to exude professional, efficient leadership while still keeping things fun and humorous. We will miss his kindness, class,  and fun-loving spirit.
I also taught 6th grade at that new elementary school. While it was my distinct pleasure to work along side Dennis during that time, I am not sure Dennis would have agreed (Hahaha!). This poor man had to rely upon his amazing mediation skills as he walked the challenging principal's tightrope between ensuring that parents who would pop into his office to complain about excess homework assignments in my classroom were heard and validated, while displaying steadfast support and pride in his teachers (which he always did with perfect grace and kindness). You will be missed, my friend. You were a blessing to so many kids, teachers, parents, church members and, of course, to your beloved extended family.  We love you - David & Lisa Kaplan

One of my favorite memories was when Mr. Dennis Olson was my Principal from Kindergarten-2nd grade at Liberty Lake Elementary. I remember being so thankful and encouraged even at a young age that he would share Bible versus in front of the entire school and not be fearful of the consequences. I believe there were more constraints later on so he ended up just saying the versus without the Scripture reference but still quoted passages. I’ll always remember that and admire the boldness and fearlessness to share Gods word. A true man of the Lord! 

We have many good memories of our friendship with Dennis and Sharon Olson and boys. First of all, he was a good man, a godly man, a man of honesty and integrity. He was a valued board member when we were both pastoring/attending First Assembly in Spokane.  We worked together, cried and laughed together and played together. We remember visits and fun out at the lake, debates over which car was best and even competitions of Cadillacs vs Buick’s!! They hosted the best Christmas parties! But most of all, Dennis’ love for the Lord, his loyalty and support will never be forgotten! We will see you again, brother!
Sending love to Sharon, Brandon, Ben and families

One of my favorite memories is how much care he took with the roses at church and putting up a new flag. He was in his happy place. ❤❤

When I worked with Sharon I was impressed to see the flowers Dennis sent her on the first day of school each year. It was a thoughtful way to be supportive. 

At Chester Elementary, we always had the best Veterans Day assemblies . He was incredibly talented and would play taps on the trumpet. It was my favorite every year and he taught his students how important it was to celebrate those who fought for our freedoms. 

In 3rd grade, I had written a poem for the VFW essay contest about what patriotism meant to me.  I ended up being the first place winner and He was so proud of me and allowed me to recite the pledge of allegiance over the intercom and read my essay to my peers, teachers and staff. 

Fast forward some 20 years later, I decided to run for city council. I will never forget the encouraging words he gave me to push forward through the tough campaign season and how proud of me he was. Enough to make his profile picture my campaign logo for my second campaign (it still is to this day). Every time I saw him at an event or school function over the last few years he’d offer me a smile, huge hug and a prayer. The last time I got to experience this was when we toured Horizon Junior High (middle school) during its remodeling and I will cherish that last encounter forever. 

There are truly not many educators in my life who have made that much of an impact on me but he is one of the amazing handful who took the time to encourage and support me and I will never forget him. Dennis, I know I am one of thousands of your students whom you touched so greatly but, I’m so thankful to have known you. I am happy to know that you are home now and someday when those you love pass over, I hope you are there to greet them with your trumpet, that smile, huge hug and a prayer.

We remember the great way Dennis led the adult Sunday School class @ First AG in Spokane back in 1994-96, during Pastor Sunderland’s ministry; also, the wonderful hospitality extended to us when  invited out to watch the fire works display where Dennis & Sharon enjoyed their lake place!   Sincerely, Dan & Linda Johnson 



My name is Dave Wall. I have worked at the Union Gospel Mission for 33 years. One Christmas season I was asked to come to Chester Elementary where Dennis was the principal.  His school was collecting canned food items for the UGM. I'll never forget attending the all-school assembly. Dennis was leading the students in Christmas carols. The kids were singing to the top of their lungs while Dennis played his trumpet. But things got even better... Dennis announced that the class with the most canned food items would get to put a pie in his face. I couldn't believe it! What kind of principal would even consider that? But Dennis actually did it. There he sat smiling on a wooden stool while an eager elementary kid smashed a cream pie in his face...glasses and all. This is the kind of man Dennis was... An authentic leader who cared more about the things that mattered than looking poised and perfect.  Dennis left his imprint on us all. Thank God for you, Dennis Olson. This world is a better place because of you! 

OBITUARIO

Dennis Roy Olson

18 diciembre, 1948 – 3 julio, 2021

Strate Funeral Home

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