Roger Louis Olson, BHS 1932

Roger Louis Olson, BHS 1932

Burbank Leader, Wednesday, August 31, 2003

Roger Louis Olson, 89, of Burbank, California, son of the late Louis and Anna Johanson Olson, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 19, 2003.

Roger was born June 20, 1914 in Burbank and lived his entire life there. His father, who came to Burbank from Sweden in 1889, was the first blacksmith and the first Fire Chief in Burbank.

Roger was a graduate of Burbank High School and UCLA, receiving a B.S. in Chemical Engineering on February 2, 1936. He did graduate work at USC, joined Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity on May 17, 1935 and was a life-long supporter of UCLA Alumni Association. Roger worked for over 42 years at both Goodyear during WWII and later Emery Industries (currently Henkel). On June 1, 1940 he was united in marriage to Thelma Hoist Olson. They were both life-long members of First Presbyterian Church of Burbank.

Roger was an avid deep-sea fisherman, tennis player and photographer. He belonged to the American Chemical Society and was the local Southern California Chapter President. He was a Master Mason and a former Master of Burbank Lodge #406 F. & A.M., Secretary of the lodge for 10 years as well as an Officer's Coach, a member of Al Malaikah Shrine of Los Angeles and a member of the Burbank/Glendale Shrine Club. He and Thelma entertained the Shriner's Club for their annual 4th of July party in their backyard for 14 years.

Roger is survived by Thelma Hoist Olson, his wife of 63 years; daughters Anna Bania of Connecticut and Karin Mather of Arizona; three grandchildren; and four great-granddaughters. His two brothers Elmer and Victor Olson preceded him in death.

Graveside services were held at Grand View Memorial Park in Glendale, California on August 22, 2003 with Eckerman-Heisman Funeral Services in charge. Dr. Gary Alan Dickey officiated. Don Holbert performed the Masonic gravside service with fellow Masons.