Grant Wilbur Olson

August 7, 2014
Grant Wilbur Olson

Gifts & Memorial Donations



Grant Wilbur Olson, age 92, of Williamsburg, passed away on August 7, 2014. He was

born in Chicago, Illinois, and met the love of his life, his wife Norma, at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. They recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary.

Grant was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and a mentor and friend to many. He was committed to the cause of democracy and equality in both his personal and professional lives. He began his career in intelligence as a code breaker in India during World War II. He continued his career after the war during which he and Norma and their four children spent many years representing the United States at embassies around Scandinavia and the Continent.

Upon retirement as a career diplomat in 1982, they moved to Williamsburg where they

have enjoyed a rich cultural life. He is survived by his wife, Norma, daughters Lane, BJ

(Kurt), Lise and son Kip (Robyn), 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00pm, Wednesday, August 13, at Williamsburg

Presbyterian Church followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Williamsburg Landing Benevolence

Fund, 5700 Williamsburg Landing, Williamsburg, VA, 23185 or directed to the

mentorship program at Rawls Byrd Public School, 112 Laurel Lane, Williamsburg, VA,

23185.


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  • August 13, 2014
    Philip Clock says:
    Grant Olson is a lovely man who will be missed by many; I am privileged to know him through the love, spirit and joy of life that is his beautiful daughter Lise.

  • August 16, 2014
    Lara Hoyle Beilby says:
    I remember him singing in the choir at Williamsburg Presbyterian... Now he joins the choirs above... and he will be missed.

  • September 19, 2014
    Sherle Abramson-Bluhm says:
    Thinking of you at this difficult time Fondly recall times with Grant and Norma and my parents, Dave and Loda May. May your loss be balanced by wonderful memories

  • August 09, 2014
    Edie & Joe Meyers says:
    We wish Norma many years of loving memories of her dear husband, Grant.