David "Dave" Carl Olson

David “Dave” Carl Olson, 70, passed away on Thursday, June 22, 2017 with his beloved daughters by his side.  He was born August 16, 1946 in Malden, MA, the only son of Carl and Evelyn (Dahlstrom) Olson.  Dad graduated from Framingham South High School in 1965 at the top of his class, and the following year he enlisted in the US Army where he proudly served his country in Germany and Vietnam before he was honorably discharged in 1969.  Afterward he moved to Washington D.C. and graduated from the Career Academy School of Broadcasting in 1970.  Dad and Mom married in Westmoreland, NH in May of 1971 and the next year they bought the Village Variety in Union where Dad was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, becoming president in 1975.  After selling the store in 1978, Dad and Mom moved to Westbrook where they lived and raised their two daughters, Lynn and Christine.  He worked in the insurance business throughout his career, known as the “Insurance Doctor,” and eventually branched out on his own creating Olson Insurance Agency which he operated until his retirement.  Dad was a life member of the VFW Deering Memorial Post #6859 in Portland where he was honored to hold many positions in the organization including Post Commander and later became the Department of Maine State Commander 2013-2014.  Dad was known to his family and friends for his larger than life personality.  He loved telling jokes, doing Rodney Dangerfield impressions, and had favorite sayings that included: “that’s huge”, “to beat the band”, “big time”, and “run for the roses.”  Dad was crazy about cats, especially his shelter rescue Fred.  He had to complete the crossword puzzle every day, loved to read, play cribbage, card games and shoot pool.  Dad always cranked up the Beach Boys and any “oldies” or classical station.  He enjoyed the fall for hunting with friends at camp, foliage, apple pie, and football.  Dad loved to fish, play hockey, and was always an avid fan of the Boston Bruins.  He would whip up his “World Famous Mashed Potatoes,” Swedish meatballs as big as your head, and his homemade spaghetti sauce that simmered for days.  Dad made many friends who became like family, you know who you are.  Dad was predeceased by his parents.  He is survived by his loving family: daughter Lynn Greer and her husband Christopher of South Portland, daughter Christine Syska and her husband Andrew, and granddaughter Hope, all of Old Orchard Beach.  The Girls are eternally grateful for the compassionate, caring staff at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Scarborough, most especially to a true Angel on earth, Lacey, who always gave Dad the very best care.  The Girls would also like to give a special thanks to the amazing hospice care given by Annie and Marla.  Family and friends are invited to a memorial service on Thursday, June 29th at 2PM at A.T. Hutchins Funeral and Cremation Services: 660 Brighton Ave, Portland, ME 04102.  A private burial will take place at a later date.  Memorial donations may be made in Dad’s name to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland: PO Box 336, Westbrook, ME 04098.  Rest in Peace Daddy-O, Pumpkin 1 and Pumpkin 2 will hold you in our hearts forever.

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