Ray Byron Olson

Ray Byron Olson, born is Ray, North Dakota on November 17, 1926 and died on August 21, 2006 at his home, in Cottonwood, Arizona due to complications from emphysema. Ray grew up in Missoula, Montana. He left home at the age of 17 to join the Marines in their struggle against the Japanese. He fought in Okinawa, Tarawa and Saipan with the 2nd Marine Division before landing in Nagasaki, Japan two weeks after VJ day. Ray spent the next two years in Nagasaki and in Saga, Japan where he developed a deep affection for the country and its people. When he returned from Japan, he earned a degree in Geology from the University of Montana, and married Violet Broman, who bore him 3 sons. He worked as a geologist in Wyoming and Montana before returning to Missoula to obtain a degree in Law. Ray practiced law in Montana and Wyoming before settling in Tucson, Arizona in 1975 with his wife, the former Virginia Fairbanks. Ray retired from law, and eventually settled in Cottonwood, Arizona, where he was very active in the affairs of the American Legion, Post #25 until his death. Ray led a very full life, and touched many people with his kindness, intelligence and zest for life. Ray is survived by his sisters, Marian Oberlander and Joan Swords-Cribb; his sons, Bruce, Clay and Marcus; as well as several grandchildren. No local services are planned. An online guestbook is available online at www.westcottfuneralhome.com