Ballard lost one of its favorite sons when Ron Olsen, best known as the co-host of the Scandinavian Hour radio program, passed away on April 29.

He was 69.

Olsen was visiting Scandinavia with his brother John when they were involved in a car accident in Flekeefjord in southern Norway.

As he was being released from the hospital, Olsen suffered a heart attack.

Co-host and long-time friend Doug Warne said Olsen's death was a shock, although Olsen had not been in good health with diabetes and heart problems.

The two men have teamed up for nearly 55 years, entertaining the local Scandinavian community on KKNW Radio 1150 AM on Saturdays from 9-10 a.m.

After graduating from Ballard High School in 1956, Olsen was an avid dancer, going to all the Scandinavian dances in the area.

"We met on the circuit, we met at a dance. We chased the same girls," said Warne.

Warne took over the Scandinavian Hour program in 1959 from Svein Gilje. He recruited Olsen because of his six record collection of Scandinavian music.

On his trips back to Scandinavia, Olsen would add to his collection of records and watched it grow.

"I've been to his house and he had thousands of records," said friend Duane Esperum.

Olsen and Warne concentrated on what they did best. Olsen handled the music for the show. Warne did the writing and advertising sales.

In addition to the music, the radio show provided announcements on community events and kept people informed.

"We were a real team," said Warne.

During Christmas, the program featured holiday music, stories and interviews.

"We play all the traditional Christmas tunes of the Scandinavian countries. It's a good time to remember the old country and relatives," Olsen said, in a 2004 interview with the News-Tribune.

Music was ingrained in Olsen at an early age. He recalled running around the Christmas tree and singing Christmas songs with his family.

"He loved singing and Norwegian music. He was very personal and bigger than life. He touched a lot of people. He made a big impact on the whole community," said Esperum.

Olsen worked at Boeing and then the Renton water department for the 37 years, where he became head of the utilities department.

Active in the community, Olsen and his brother helped develop the water system in Norway Park in Skagit County.

His other community involvement included: the Leif Erikson Lodge; Norwegian Male Chorus of Seattle where he was a past president and secretary; Norwegian Commercial Club; and president of the West Coast Norwegian Singers Association.

"He had the ability to turn everyone into a special friend. Everyone liked Ron. He was laid back, but got more done than ten people," said Warne.

Warne plans to continue the Scandinavian Hour and will take advantage of offers from the community to help out.

Olsen is survived by Linda, his wife; brother John, and children Jennifer Marquis and Gregory Olsen, along with two granddaughters.