Lee R. Olson

Lee R. Olson (January 13, 1929 – April 23, 2020) of Somers, NY died Thursday morning, April 23 at Danbury Hospital due to complications from Covid-19.  He was 91 years old. Born and raised in Evanston, IL, he received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemical engineering from Northwestern University. At Northwestern he was honored to serve as the president of his fraternity,  Phi Delta Theta.  An exceptional athlete, Lee played varsity basketball, passing on the opportunity to play in the NBA to pursue a career as a chemical engineer. He continued to excel as an athlete, playing highly competitive volleyball for many years.  In 1969 his team won the national masters volleyball championship and he was named to the All-American team.

After service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, Lee worked as a chemical engineer, eventually becoming a vice president at Stauffer Chemical Company until his retirement in 1985.  In 1954, he married Northwestern classmate Helen Camp who was his loving partner in raising their three children, Susan, Robin, and David. Lee was a devoted father and spent considerable time attending his children’s athletic events through their youth, high school, and college careers.  Lee loved to travel and upon taking early retirement delighted in several national and international trips to follow the U.S. Olympic men’s and women’s volleyball teams, attending the 1984 Olympic games in Los Angeles, the 1988 games in Seoul, and the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. He and Helen traveled extensively, particularly enchanted by explorations throughout Europe, Egypt, China, Russia, Tunisia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Kenya, Greece, Israel and Nevis in the West Indies. Their love of Nevis led them to design and build a home on the island.

Lee and his family lived in Katonah, New York for 32 years, where he was an active community volunteer.  Much of his time was devoted to working with young people, instilling in them a passion for athletics in his role as a volunteer assistant volleyball coach at John Jay High School in Cross River, New York. He was a leader of the Katonah United Methodist Church and a member of the Board of Directors of A-Home, an organization committed to finding affordable housing for disabled adults. Known to many as a 6’5” gentle giant, Lee loved spending time on the Maine coast, caring for the family’s dogs, playing cards, conquering the daily word scramble, and giving his time and talent with quiet grace. 

Lee was a devoted fan of the Chicago Cubs, notably camping out all night at the Wrigley Field ticket gate with three high school buddies, in order to secure front row center field tickets to game 5 of the 1945 World Series.  The Cubs lost the series. While they did not return to the World Series for another 71 years, Lee remained a loyal fan. In 2016 his lifetime dream came true, as he and his family watched the Cubs (finally) win the World Series.

In his later years, Lee found love and companionship with his wife Cynthia Forrest Olson. They made their home of nearly two decades in Heritage Hills, Somers NY.  They enjoyed attending concerts, eating at local restaurants and traveled to the Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu, Hawaii, and Alaska.  Ever generous, Lee celebrated his 75th birthday by bringing together his children, their families, and Cynthia’s family for a weeklong celebration in Nevis.  

Predeceased by his wife of 44 years, Helen Camp Olson, he is survived by his wife of 19 years Cynthia Forrest Olson, Somers NY, his brother James Olson, Malibu CA, his children Susan Olson Baker and her husband Chuck Baker Mt. Vernon ME, Robin Olson and her husband Christopher Evans, Needham MA, David Olson and his wife Caryn Dodd Olson, Stamford CT and three grandsons Peter Olson Evans, Andrew Olson Evans, and Calvin James Olson.  He will also be missed by Cynthia’s children and grandchildren.

A private Memorial Service will be held in Round Pond Harbor Maine, hopefully this summer. Lee will be buried in the Chamberlain Cemetery in Round Pond. 

Donations can be made to the Chicago Cubs Scholars Program, providing opportunities for inner-city Chicago students to excel in higher education. To light a candle or leave a condolence in Lee's memory, please continue to the Tribute Wall tab.

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