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Harry Olsen
July 6, 1946 - June 9, 2005
Harry Olsen passed away at home on June 9, 2005. He died in peace in the loving embrace of his family after a brief, heroic struggle with cancer. Harry was born July 6, 1946, in San Mateo, Calif. Harry received his masters in special education and then went on to teach for eight years at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. After receiving a Doctorate of Law from Catholic University, he moved with his family to Oceanside in 1987 to set up his own law practice. He established strong roots in the area with his service to many civic organizations. He had a great love for family, and enjoyed sailing, fishing and softball. He is survived by his wife, Gwyn; sons Zac (21) and Alex (18);sister Carol Olsen; his mother-in-law Gwyneth Donchin, who healways called ìMomî and numerous relatives who will miss his humor, intellect and zest for life. The family will scatter his ashes at sea on his 28th wedding anniversary, June 18. A celebration of his life will be held August20. Memorial information can be requested atOlsenmemorial@cox.net. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Elizabeth Hospice.
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Bruce Erricson
I had no idea that Harry had passed until alerted by Larry Hamilton. Harry and I go way back to Shearer in the 4th or 5th grade. He, Dave Herron and I used to participate in what were generously referred to as "talent shows", where we wore strange clothes and lip-synched to records like "Henry Goes to the Moon" and "The Song of the Niarobi Trio" which became famous on the old Ernie Kovacs show. This gives you some insight into Harry's warped and wonderful sense of humor. We did this on up to the 7th grade @ Ridgeview.
As his obit indicates, Harry had many abilities. He was smart, industrious and enjoyed sports. In the 10th grade @ Ridgeview, we had an intramural tennis tournament. While we were by no means the most gifted tennis players, he & I somehow ended up playing for the championship. My main attribute was hustle but Harry had learned how to hit the ball with a lot of backspin which so befuddled & frustrated his opponents that they ended up trying to smash these little bloopers back at him and instead found only the net or some distant territories beyond the in lines. After watching him play, I knew that the only chance I had to beat him was to make sure I returned all his shots in bounds & wait for him to make a mistake. What ensued was perhaps the slowest, most boring tennis match ever with both of us blooping the ball back and forth until one of us blew a shot. The true tennis players in attendance were not impressed.
Harry was quiet and thoughtful but truly an original. I've missed him over the years but was glad to see that he managed to do so much in his shortened life.