IVAN H. OLSON

VINALHAVEN………………Ivan Haakon Olson, 86, of Vinalhaven, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 28, 2013, surrounded by his family , at home.
Born September 15, 1926 in Vinalhaven, he was the son of Oscar and Elin (Depuis) Olson of Norway.
Ivan’s love of the sea began at a very young age. He started lobstering at the age of 8 and fished until he retired at the age of 82. He had several boats during his fishing career with the last one being named for his daughter, the “Nancy O”.
A veteran of the United States Navy, Ivan served from 1944-1952 during WWII and the Korean Conflict participating in both the Atlantic and the Pacific Theatre. In Okinawa, Japan he saw action and was awarded several medals including Good Conduct, WWII Victory, Navy Occupation, China Service and National Defense. Ivan was a member of the VFW, the American Legion, and as a young man was a member of the Vinalhaven Fire Department.
Ivan loved gardening and was well known for his beautiful day lilies. He enjoyed hunting, stamp collecting and made gafts and miniature wooden pot buoys.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Norma “Whittington” Olson; two sons, Ivan E. Olson and wife Margaret, Mark E Olson and wife Diane, daughter Nancy Walker and husband Richie; grandchildren Christopher Guptill and wife Sarah; Rebecca Guptill, Andrew Guptill and his companion, Jenn Guptill; one great-granddaughter AnnaLee Dyer; a sister-in-law, Phyllis Orcut; and one nieces, Linda Whittington and her husband, Daniel Ames.
He was predeceased by his parents and one brother, Willie Olson.
In keeping with his wishes, a private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Contributions in Ivan’s memory can be made to Kno-Wal-Lin Hospice, 170 Pleasant Street, Rockland, ME 04841. Condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Olson family by visiting their book of memories at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com. Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.

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