In Memoriam: Robert Harry Olsen
APRIL 5, 1936 to JUNE 25, 2022
Robert Harry Olson, a lifelong American patriot, proud Marine, athlete, sportsman, hunter, conservationist, boater, business leader and family man, passed away peacefully on June 25th, 2022 at the age of 86.Bob was born on April 5th,1936 in New York City and graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School where he was a standout athlete in a school of 5000 boys. He attended Catawba College, Salisbury, North Carolina on a football scholarship earning a Bachelor of Arts degree and received the Aycock Award for Best Athlete. Bob served four years active duty in the United States Marine Corps and continued serving our country in the USMC Reserves for an additional 18 years achieving the rank of Major.
Bob’s Jacksonville business career spanned decades where he was Vice President/General Manager of Koger Properties, Director of Real Estate Development for the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission and Cecil Field, Deputy Director of Jacksonville’s Downtown Development Authority and Chief of Economic Development for the City of Jacksonville. Bob, an enthusiast of all sports, was an avid golfer where his love for the game led him to his volunteer work with his beloved TPC Redcoats. He played hand ball and racquet ball at the Downtown YMCA into his late 70’s. His tennis game and his fast serve earned him the nickname “Bullet”.
Community service was important to Bob, a few of his many leadership associations include serving as the 1987 Chairman of The Players Championship, Graduate of Leadership Jacksonville, introductory Chairman of Toys for Tots, Director of YMCA, Director of Junior Achievement, President of the United States Marine Corps Reserve Officers Association of North Florida, Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary Club, President of the Safari Club of Northeast Florida.
Bob was a Founding Member of Epping Forest Yacht Club, where he met and married Karen, his wife and best friend of almost 30 years.
In addition to Karen, Bob is survived by his children; Scott (Jan), Kent and Paige Olson. Grandchildren; Riley (Anne) Gordon and Parker. Karen’s children, Lisa Reinstine (Frank), Josh Nathanson (Becky) and grandchildren; Jed and Jenna Reinstine and Asher Nathanson.
In Bob’s memory enjoy a martini, smoke a good cigar and honor those you love! Semper Fi.
A celebration of Bob’s life was held on Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at Hardage-Gidddens Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207.
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