May 24, 2021

Olson was born in Minnesota on Sept. 18, 1928. He graduated from Bemidji State University in Minnesota, and later on he became the Senior High School Principal and Superintendent of Schools at Barrett Public Schools and Blackduck Public Schools.

Olson was a veteran who served in the U.S. Army as an instructor at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

Olson moved with his family to Vista, Calif., in 1964. He contributed immensely to the community as a teacher and Principal at Vista High School, and later as Director of Personnel, Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent of Vista Unified School District. He also served on the Board of Directors for Boys and Girls Club, North County United Way and Vista Chambers of Commerce. Later on, Olson worked as Director of Graduate Education at Point Loma Nazarene University.

Olson was a highly regarded and much loved administrator in ACSA Region 18. Among other achievements, he was Region 18 President from 1979-80, and Region 18 Consultant from 1992 to 1999. He was elected and served as ACSA State President from 1984-85. Throughout his leadership roles, Olson always led with heart and passion for education and his community.

Olson loved traveling with his wife, Carol Souviney Olson, who passed away in 2018. They were both incredibly generous with their time, energy and experience. He loved music, sports, reading and flying his Cessna 180, but most of all he loved his family. Olson will be dearly missed by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all the people who respected and loved him.

The family is honoring Olson’s request that no memorial service be done. If friends or family wish to honor him, please make a donation in his name to: The Kelly Olson Scholarship, Vista High School, 1 Panther Way, Vista, CA 92084 (760-726-5611).