Rory Olson

Rory Don Olson    “OLE”

Rory Don Olson age 67, went to be with Jesus in the early morning hours of Thursday, July 27, 2023.  He was born to Donald & Delores (Niesche) Olson on September 10, 1955.   Rory was the youngest of their 4 children. Rory was baptized into the Lutheran faith on November 13, 1955. He was confirmed on June 7^th 1970. He grew up in Brooklyn Center and North Minneapolis. He attended school at Bremer Elementary, Jordan Jr High of which he was a 3-year honor student and also had 3 years of perfect attendance.  Rory went to North High School and was the last graduating class in the “old” building in 1973.  Rory was captain of the swim team and football team. As a sophomore he made the varsity football team as a tackle at 180#s. He was named to the Minneapolis all-city conference football team in 1972 & 1973. Rory was an academic Honor Society member throughout high school years.  He received an academic scholarship from Brunswick Corporation and attended Augsburg University, in Minneapolis, majoring in history and Physical Education.  Rory also played football, both offense and defense, for Augsburg.  Throughout high school & college Rory laid carpet, worked for NSP as line man & BN railroad laying ties. Rory had a passion for music and attended many big-name concerts in the 70s, 80s and 90s. During college he was approached to go work in the film industry which put college on the back burner. 

In the film industry, Rory was a grip and a gaffer, overseeing all production set electrical needs. He was also responsible for all non-electrical rigging. He and his coworkers drove production equipment all over the United States to the next film site.  They would usually take a few days to see the sights along the way, such as down hill skiing in Utah, balloon rides in New Mexico and beach days at the Oceans.  He also traveled to the Caribbean Islands to shoot commercials or movies and loved diving there.  Rory worked on 100s of commercials and 17 movies, such as, Purple Rain, Mighty Ducks, Grumpier Old Men.  He had a story of each Hollywood star he met. He also worked on several music videos with Prince, Janet Jackson and other “A” listers.  It was a great experience in which he met 1000s of people across the US and abroad with many he still kept in touch with.

During off times of the movie industry, Rory bartended at Stand-Up Franks, Bunkers and BJs during the 1974-2004.  Rory found a passion of riding motorcycles with his first bike being a Shovelhead that was a ride and repair daily which he would not have had it any other way. Rory lived life on the edge during this time in Minneapolis and in 2004 decided to get away from it all by going to Australia and New Zealand for an extended time.  He dove the Great Barrier reef assisting the dive master with the group.  This dive was the highlight of his life.  When Rory returned to Minneapolis in 2005, he missed the quietness of Australia and decided to “move up North” to 50 Lakes not knowing a person.  He quickly made friends and in 2009 met loving friend Brenda Brittan.

Rory continued with his bartending work at the Atkin Moose Lodge, of which he was also a member, The Pequot Legion, of which he was a SAL member Ox Lake Tavern and 50 Lakes Muni.  The job that gave him the most enjoyment was the Golden Eagle Golf Club where he was a grounds keeper.  Every morning he got to see the beautiful sunrise and thanked GOD every day for this opportunity.  Rory also played Santa Clause to many children through out the lakes area for many years and absolutely loved it.  Rory and Brenda would also bake Christmas cookies and deliver to friends and family.  He wanted to give back for what he had. Rory enjoyed riding with friends on his Harley V-rod which he drove fast and hard whenever he could.

In 2018 Rory was named Mr. Malarkey and Brenda Ms. Blarney for the Crosslake St. Patrick’s Day parade.  What and honor to ride in the parade. Rory joined the Crosslake Ideal Lions in 2019 and was active until his health issues took over. Rory spent the remaining time at home with his best paw friend Conway, a French bulldog and Brenda.

Rory is survived by loving friend Brenda Brittan and his paw friend Conway, Sister Sharon & John Garland, Brothers Gary Olson and Terry & Lisa Olson, Special Cousin Roger Engstrom, Aunts, Uncle, Cousins, Nieces & Nephews.  Best of Best friends Les Mahowald, Jeff Dawber, Todd Awes & Peter Neumann.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, sister-in-law Gerry Olson, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles.

Thank you to the Crosslake EMTs and Fire department for the support services you provided, always treating Rory with dignity and respect during his many trips to the hospital.

Rory’s celebration of Life will be Saturday, August 19, 2023 at Crosslake Presbyterian Church.  10am for friends and family gathering.  11am for church service with lunch served at the 50 Lakes pavilion after the service.  Come as you are, wear your HD gear and ride them if you have them. 

In lieu of flowers please send a donation to the Moose Lodge 1060 22 4^th Street NE Aitkin MN 56431 Attn Ride for a Child program.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Crosslake.