1931 - 2006

Grant Olson was born on March 9, 1931, in Mirror, Alberta, Canada. He was the youngest child of four. Grant grew up in Mirror, went to school there, but was also very active helping his dad on their farm.

In the early fifties, he joined the aviation branch of the Navy and was stationed in Kansas but also had occasion to be in Colon, Panama, working as a driver for the commander. While in the Navy, he became interested in electronics and obtained training in the field.

When he left the Navy, Grant got a job at Pacific Northwest Bell Telephone Company in Seattle. Two years later Grant and his family were transferred to Spokane so he could maintain Microwave and Satellite tracking systems. The Olson family lived in Spokane for six years. In 1967 they moved to Des Moines.

Because of business of life on a farm, Grant did not obtain his diploma from Mirror High School. During retirement, he attended classes in Highline Community College and received his GED, which was a personal accomplishment since he already had a very successful career.

Grant's cheerful attitude and dry sense of humor was admired by all who met him. He was a constant joke-teller and specialized in one-liners. Grant was also a wonderful father and husband (and best friend to his family). He touched the lives of all that met him.

Grant passed away on August 14 at Overlake Hospital in Bellevue and is now in the hands of the Lord. He was 75 years old. Grant is survived by his daughter Lorraine and son-in-law Ish; his son David and daughter-in-law Nollie; and his six grandchildren, Ian, Natalie, Alec, Emily, Ethan and Elyssa.