John Ernest Olson

John was born on September 11, 1932 to Miriam (Betty) Shirley Olson and Ernest P. Olson in Fort Smith, Arkansas, but his life story must start by acknowledging his brilliant mind. John was great at math, writing, speaking and thinking. He was editor of the school newspaper in high school and was named “Top Senior” of his Springfield High School graduating class. He attended Rice University in Houston, TX, where he earned Bachelor Degrees of both Sciences and Arts. He met the love of his life, Karen Riley, at a meeting of the Rice German Club. They married upon Karen’s graduation from Rice and had two daughters. He was a devoted husband for sixty-six years until Karen’s passing in 2024. He was a loving, caring father and valued friend to many until the day he died.  

Although his father and uncles were railroad men, John chose to become a Mechanical Engineer in the petroleum industry. In the early 1960s, he took the leap to the nascent field of computers at IBM Corp. John’s in-depth knowledge of the oil business made him a perfect match for a company that wanted to sell their room-sized computers to big oil producers. John’s work at IBM eventually took him and his family from Beaumont, TX to Boca Raton, FL, birthplace of the IBM PC, and later to Durham, NC. Over his 34-year career, John was truly part of the computer revolution. He was the quintessential IBMer: loyal, hard-working, talented.

Through most of his life, John was active in local Unitarian fellowships, frequently serving on boards and service committees. He was passionate about social justice and environmental responsibility. He and Karen were supporters of Planned Parenthood, for whom John served on the board for six years in Durham. After their return to Boca Raton, John was active in the Florida Life Care Residents Association at St. Andrews Estates.  He was serving as president of the Resident’s Council at WillowBrooke Court at his passing.  A life-long learner, John enjoyed reading history books and watching historical podcasts. He followed current events closely through numerous newspaper subscriptions, NPR and MSNBC.

John’s hobbies included rooting for the Dodgers (from Brooklyn onward), growing tropical bromeliads, playing chess and singing. For many years, John and Karen delighted in gourmet dining, wine tasting and travel. He was a wonderful host. More recently, he enjoyed playing bridge in his community and frequent visits with his family and friends. He left us as the reigning family Scrabble champion.

John is pre-deceased by his parents, his wife Karen and his brother Philip Olson. He is survived by his loving daughters Reverend Corinna Olson and Sabrina Carle, son-in-law Randy Carle, Grandchildren Scott Carle, Ph. D, and Melanie Austin (Nathan), great grandson Luca Austin, sisters-in-law Jackie Riley and Connie Olson, and many nieces and nephews. The family is grateful to the Saint Andrews Estates/WillowBrooke Court community for their friendship, care and kindness.

A memorial service will be held for John on Friday, November 21 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Andrew’s South Chapel (in the main building). 6045 Verde Trail, S., Boca Raton, FL 33433. A wine reception will follow in the adjacent Coastal Lounge.

In lieu of flowers, consider a contribution to Planned Parenthood or other worthy causes.