Alan "Ole" Olson

Alan Reinert Olson, known as “Ole” to many passed away peacefully on December 9, 2017, surrounded by many family members after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was loved, admired, and adored by many and will be greatly missed.

Alan lived his long life as a personable, thoughtful, fun-loving and considerate man. It was easy to watch him squeeze every drop of joy out of the many years he lived. He was all about the give and helping anyone in need. Respected by those he coached or mentored, and loved by his friends and family; he extended this love to his wife’s family that he willingly loved deeply.

He grew up in Newberg, Oregon, the son of Alfred and Louise Olson, and sister to Carol Olson. Alan graduated from Newberg High School, excelling in sports, and an Honor Student. Following high school, Alan enlisted in the United States Navy before graduation with plans to further his education in Physical Education via military resources. His service commenced during WWII, as he was station in Pearl Harbor as a fireman; in not time at all he became Fire Chief. This should be no surprise considering Al’s substance and character.

After his military service, Alan entered Pacific University to get his teaching degree. During his college years, he met Larene Olson, and they married in 1945 and had three daughters together.

As an educator, he started his career in Waldport, Oregon, later moving to Sherwood where he put down his roots. There he became a vital part of the community as an educator. Alan taught both science and physical education, thrived as an athletic director and coached as many sports time would permit. During his long summers off, he would head north to Astoria where he spent time commercial salmon fishing with friends.

By the time he had taken an early retirement, he had earned and received many accolades. Some of them include Oregon Coach of the Year, two runner up state championships for baseball & basketball and a Lifetime Achievement Award given to him from Sherwood High School. He also was named teacher of the year on occasion. He semi-retired selling real estate and owned a Realestate Broker in Sherwood, OR where he bought sold and rented properties.

In 1988, he married Velora Clark and remained married to her for 30 years until his passing. Together, they travelled extensively around the world, favorite being trips to Europe. As an avid golfer, he was never far from a golf course. They built two homes together, the last being on Claremont Golf Course where he was able to golf just outside his door for almost 20 years. Al and Velora loved traveling to Alaska for fishing during the summer with one daughter and off to Arizona to visit another regularly. Al is survived by his spouse of 30 years Velora Olson, children Cheryl Olson, Janine Alvarez, Teresa Harris, Christy Mechem (JD Mechem), Melody Sauer, Ronny Sauer (LeeAnn Sauer), Larry Sauer (Tami Sauer). 16 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

Please in lieu of flowers, please donate to any children sports camps or sports scholarships available in the Sherwood area in honor of his name, thank you.