Olson, Richard (“Dick”) Henry

Born Jan 10, 1933
Died Mar 20, 2004

From 2006 Annual Show Program:

In Memoriam: Richard Henry Olson

     Our show this year is dedicated to the memory of Dick Olson, Barbershopper and Chapter Member for over 40 years, active chorus and quartet member, officer, advisor, counselor, mentor and friend. Dick died of a sudden illness on March 20, 2004. His passing left a void in our chapter which will never be filled.

     A native of St. Paul, Minnesota, Dick moved to Chicago in his early youth, and then to St. Louis where he attended Soldan and University City High Schools, graduating from the latter in 1954. He then attended Washington University, left temporarily to serve in the Navy, and returned to graduate in 1963. He joined Olin Company in Alton, Illinois and remained there until his retirement in 1989. He held a number of patents for skeet shooting equipment and subsequent to his retirement was frequently called upon by Olin as an expert witness during litigation.

     In addition to singing, his main hobby was restoring vintage cars, of which he owned a number. He was an active member of the Model T Ford Club, the Horseless Carriage Club, and the Packard and Franklin Clubs among others. He was also active in the Missouri Athletic Club, and produced and directed many of their musical shows.

     After being exposed to barbershop harmony in the late 1950's, Dick joined the Florissant Valley Chapter in 1960 and remained a member for the rest of his life. He was known as an exceptionally strong tenor in the chorus and served as Tenor Section Leader for many years. The Quartet bug hit him early and he sang over the years with the MUDDY RIVER BOYS, the BLENDAIRS, the HICKORY NOTES, the LEFT OVER FOUR, and finally, the GATEWAY CONNECTION. Further, Dick served twice as Chapter President, as well as most of the other chapter officers from time to time. He was twice honored as Barbershopper for the Year.

     Dick was a highly gifted and dedicated barbershopper who has left an unparalleled legacy to the Chapter. His loss was devastating but our many memories of him will sustain throughout the continued existence. In our sorrow at his departure, we are nevertheless grateful for all he has meant to us and are extraordinarily proud to present this show as a tribute to his memory. Goodbye old friend - this one's for you.