Gary Olsen Obituary

Gary Lee Olsen, a longtime resident of Tuolumne County, passed away on Monday, March 3, 2025 at his home in Columbia. He was 76 years old.

Gary was born in San Francisco on January 15th, 1949. San Francisco always held a special place in his heart and he would fondly recount fishing excursions to Ocean Beach with his beloved father and siblings or outings to other landmarks such as Golden Gate Park or Playland. His family moved to Sonora when Gary was 14 years old. He was a graduate of Sonora High School.

He was a proud Army veteran who served as a medic aid during the Vietnam war. Following his military service he worked as a plasterer and then later in medical administration.

Some of his childrens' favorite memories were going on hikes with him or out for breakfast at Perko's on a Sunday. Gary had a love for music, particularly if it was on vinyl. He was very interested in the history of World War 2 and collected memorabilia from that time. Gary was also a Dr. Doolittle to all the various pets that passed through this home and always seemed to be their favorite person.

Gary will be remembered for being a patient and kind man. He always displayed compassion, love and loyalty to those he cared for. Gary had a fantastic sense of humor and loved a good practical joke or pun. His friends and family will greatly miss his calm presence and gentle nature.

He is survived by his children; daughter Melissa Eastep of Surprise, Arizona, and son, Dane Olsen, of Kirkland, Washington. He is also survived by his brother, Kenneth Olsen, of Lolo, Montana and sister, Janis Leach Vinson and her husband Jim Vinson of Dorrington, California.

He was preceded in death by his father, Howard Olsen and mother, Shirley Olsen Conrad.

A private memorial and cremation services were handled by Terzich & Wilson Funeral Home and his remains are interred at Mountain Shadow Cemetery.