Davin Philip Olsen

He was a loving husband to Marci L. (Brigode) Olsen, loving & proud father to Davin C. Olsen and Jason T. Olsen. Dave is survived by his mother, Sallyann Olsen; brother, Bob (Linda) Olsen of Katy, Texas, sisters, Leslye Olsen (Sam) Feinberg of Montgomery, Texas, Christine Olsen (Steve) Peebles of Richardson, Texas, brother, James (Dawn) Olsen of Port St. Lucie, Florida, brother Lee Olsen of Vero Beach, Florida, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews & cousins.

Dave was preceded in death by his father, Robert Irving Olsen & is survived by his father’s wife Eleanor Olsen.

Dave was born on March 3, 1959 in Pittsburgh, PA, where he attended Thomas Jefferson High School. He was class president, played ice hockey and football. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Western CT University. He was a Program Graduate of IAVM Ogleby and IAVM Senior Executive Symposium Cornell University. Dave worked in Arena Management for over 30 years, recently he was the Executive VP and GM of PNC Arena (RBC Center), home of the NHL Carolina Hurricanes & NC State University Men’s Basketball for 24 years through September 2021.

He was employed by the Carolina Hurricanes/Gale Force Sports & Entertainment and worked in conjunction with the Centennial Authority that owns the building & surrounding 80 acres. He was involved in development of the Raleigh Entertainment and Sports Arena that eventually became the PNC Arena.

Prior to his position at the PNC Arena he was the director of recreational facilities at the University of North Carolina Charlotte. He oversaw Germain Arena in Estero, Florida; the Hartford Civic Center, the New Haven Coliseum, and consulted on Compuware Arena in Plymouth, MI during his distinguished career. He was currently working as interim General Manager of American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, Home of the Minor League Ice Rays. In 2005-2006, he celebrated with Lord Stanley after the Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup. He proudly wore his championship ring and generously shared his achievement with fans of all ages.

Dave was passionate in giving back to his community and supporting first responders. He served on the Executive Boards of The Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, Holt Brothers Foundation, Triangle Heart Association’s Silent Auction Committee, Member of the North Carolina Travel and Tourism Board, Friends of Fairview Fire Department, and Trustee of 200 Club of Wake County. He was instrumental in organizing numerous disaster relief efforts including those for victims of Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy & Matthew

During a 2017 five alarm fire in downtown Raleigh, Dave and his executive chef Michael Flood rushed to prepare and deliver food and beverages to first responders on scene.

It was frequently said by many that “He was always willing to help people, he was dedicated, hardworking and loved by many”. He loved sports and proudly wore colors of the Carolina Hurricanes and Pittsburgh Steelers. He enjoyed golf, boating and time at his lake house.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 11, 2022 at 11:00am in the Duke Energy Center of Performing Arts, 2 E. South Street, Raleigh, NC 27601.

In Lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to one of the following in Memory of Dave, using the links under 'donations':

The 200 Club of Wake County or Friends of Fairview Fire Department -

The 200 Club of Wake County is an organization of concerned citizens dedicated to supporting First Responders living or working in Wake County. The primary mission of The 200 Club is providing immediate financial help for the families of First Responders living or working in Wake County who lose their lives in the line of duty. In addition, members of The 200 Club want our First Responders to know that the citizens of Wake County support them for the risks they take and protection they provide, every shift of every day.

In addition to its primary goal of providing immediate financial support to the families of First Responders who lose their lives in the line of duty, the 200 Club also provides college scholarship assistance for their surviving children or spouse. Recently, the 200 Club began an initiative to support programs that assist our first responders and public safety officers directly, with a variety of issues they face on a daily basis.

(NOT Sunday Drive-old location)

Friends of Fairview Fire Department -

A non-profit organization supporting the Fairview Rural Fire Department.

While the ordinary business of the Fire Department is funded by Wake County taxpayers, your tax-deductible donations allow Fairview to fund benevolence, volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention, training, and additional duty crews. Funds are also used for community fire prevention education programs such as the annual Fire Prevention Open House as well as various other events and activities.

Please help Fairview to be prepared to go above and beyond in the community when a need arises beyond their normal call of duty.

Information for out of town guests:

We have rooms reserved at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Raleigh/Cary 100 MacAlyson Court,Cary, NC 2751, for February 10, 2022 through February 13, 2022.

select "Book a Room".

http://www.my-event.hilton.com/cryhshw-dof-5b7e90cc-7628-45a3-995a-89460830ac04/

Comfort Suites Regency Park

350 Ashville Avenue, Cary, NC, 27518, Special group rate for OLSEN PARTY

https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/NH36S0

If you would like to share a favorite memory / story of Dave, or leave a message of condolence for his family, you may do so below within 'add a memory'.