Dennis Dee Olsen
Denny grew up in John Day, Oregon where he was very involved in athletics. He played college baseball at the University of Oregon for his hero, Don Kirsch. His first teaching job was in Drain High School where in 1962 he coached a talented team to a state baseball championship. In 1963 he continued teaching and was a counselor in the Springfield school district until he retired.
He married Brenda Gustafson in 1961 and they moved to a ranch close to Creswell. Denny and Brenda loved to dance in their younger years and Denny was an exceptionally good dancer.
They enjoyed riding their horses and taking horseback trips to the high lakes and fishing there. They enjoyed waterskiing and trips to the lake with family and friends. Denny coached their son, Scott in Little League baseball and they enjoyed watching him play ball, ride motorcycles and watching him play slow pitch as an adult.
They enjoyed seeing Shauna, their daughter, excelling in school activities and music. They were also proud of their grandkids. They enjoyed traveling to Cody’s swim meets for many years and watched Jake play basketball and soccer.
Family time was always special to Denny. A favorite outing was taking the family to Sunriver over Labor Day weekend for many years where they biked, ran the river, played cards and just hung out together.
Denny was also a great community man. He was an active member of the Creswell Presbyterian Church for 40-plus years and served on the session several times and sang in the choir. He was active in Kiwanis and volunteered for South Lane Wheels to drive people in need. He always spoke fondly of his riders and counted them among his friends.
Denny had a life well lived. He is remembered as always being kind. He loved his family and they loved him in return. A family celebration of life will be held.
