Darryld Wade Olson

We just got back from a 3 day trip for the funeral of a cousin. It was a long trip, and we are thankful the weather held for us to get there and back other than a little rain and fog in an area near Pendleton, OR around a place locally called Cabbage Hill. On our way there, we came to the top of this hill where signs warned of a 6% grade and low visibility. Looking down over the valley from the top was like looking out of an airplane. The air around us was clear and the sun was shining brightly. Below us we could see the tops of clouds. As we descended the hill we went right down through those clouds. The trucks around us were all geared down and moving quite slowly. When we reached the bottom, visibility was good again, but the clouds made it quite dark and gloomy in the valley below. We were surprised at how early it got dark up there, but then realized we were quite a bit further north. That DOES make a difference.

We were also able to visit Uncle Glenn and Aunt Val, fondly remembered in our family for giving the kids a pair of silly glasses which they later paired with a chicken beak thing to startle passing drivers with as we went along the freeway.







YAKIMA - Darryld Wade Olson passed away in his home on December 28th, 2009.

Darryld was born in Yakima on August 19th, 1939 to Marshall Wade and Mary Matilda Olson. He had three siblings; two brothers, Gary Douglas Olson, Marshall Lee Olson and a sister Roxie Ann Lord. Darryld graduated from Eisenhower High school in 1958. In 1959 he married Nancy Heron. Together they had four children. During that time Darryld was a senior member in the Civil Air Patrol and he became a pilot through McAllister's School of Flight in Yakima. To support his family Darryld worked for Sears Roebuck and Co. in the service department for 26 years. After retiring from Sears he worked for Mechanical Services Inc. Darryld's interest in airplanes later gave him the opportunity to become an active member of the McAllister Museum of Aviation where he was the Museum Executive Director. At the time of his death he was working for the Yakima YMCA as the Facilities Director.

Darryld had an enthusiasm for flying, camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, gardening and most anything outdoors. He enjoyed working on his 3 acre fruit farm as well as planting large gardens of vegetables and flowers, known as Olson Fruit and Berries. He was an amazing builder and woodworker. Darryld had an incredible smile and sense of humor. He was a passionate, hard working, and talented man.

Darryld is survived by Nancy Olson, mother of their four children, three sons: Scott (wife Unsil) Olson, Brad (wife Lori) Olson, Andy (wife Lori) Olson, a daughter Heather (husband Mitch) Mauch, brothers Gary (wife Becky) Olson, Marshall Olson and sister Roxie Lord. Darryld had 6 grandchildren and 1 great grandson. He is preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister, Mary Colleen.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Friday, January 8th at 1:00 pm at the Keith and Keith Terrace Heights Chapel. In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to be made in his name to the McAllister Museum of Aviation.