Obituary: Olson, Mark
Age 60
He passed away after bravely struggling with Multiple Sclerosis for 14 years and most recently pancreatic cancer.
Mark was an outdoor enthusiast and loved fishing with his buddies.
He also enjoyed golfing, skiing, gardening and wood working.
He loved the water and spent many vacations traveling to tropical destinations with his wife, Medea, but he mostly enjoyed spending time with his family by the pool in the 15 years of hot summer days in Redding.
Mark was a newspaper man at heart starting at age ten as a newspaper boy.
He worked as a Circulation Director at numerous papers on the West Coast.
His staff nick named him “Sparky Mark” which explains the enthusiasm that he had for his job and those that worked with and around him.
He retired from the Record Searchlight, Redding, CA as the Circulation Director.
He also worked at the Spokesman Review and The Valley Herald, Spokane, WA, The Daily Republic, Fairfield CA, The Herald in Monterey CA, The Star Free Press in Ventura, CA.
Mark served on the board of directors of CWCMA, CA Newspaper Carrier Foundation, Kiwanis, Exchange Club and was a member of NAA and the United Way.
Mark graduated from Shadle Park High School (yes, he wore a kilt in the Marching band) where he was part of the award winning Jazz Lab Band.
Mark completed studies for Circulation and the Law at Stanford University.
He was preceded in death by his Mother, Lillie Mae Olson; and his daughter, Kristy Olson.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, who was his angel that was sent from above, and his best friend, Medea Olson, of Redding, CA; and his two sons, Eric Olson of Roseville, CA, and Ryan Olson of Billings MT.
He is also survived by his Father, Robert Olson, of Spokane, WA; his sister and her husband, Susan and Bill Deline; his brother and his wife, Ken and Margo Olson; and baby sister Cathy Olson; the Shrontz Family of Vacaville, CA; and numerous nieces and a nephew.
His charismatic charm and easy smile for all will be greatly missed.
Private services will be held for his family and friends.
For memorial inquiries email: sparkymro@charter.net