Kenneth R. Olson, 58

Kenneth R. Olson passed away on Aug. 3, 2010, at home with his loving longtime companion, Mary Lou Franzese by his side. Ken was born in Coeur d'Alene on Sept. 1, 1951, to Bob and Shirlee (Pence) Olson.

He attended Bryan Elementary and was active in scouting which resulted in a lifelong love of the outdoors. He spent many happy days swimming, skiing, hunting and fishing throughout the Pacific Northwest. He especially enjoyed his time spent on Lake Pend Oreille commercial blue back fishing with his grandparents, Orville and Merle Pence.

Ken attended Coeur d'Alene High School and was an active member of the chess club, chorus, DECA and was a winning member of the Coeur d'Alene city swim team. He graduated in 1969 and received his A.A. from North Idaho College. Ken's excellent swimming skills led him to a lifeguard position for several summers at Indian Creek State Park on Priest Lake. He earned his S.CU.B.A. certification and continued his love of water enlisting in the U.S. Coast Guard for a six-year tour. During this time Ken attended culinary school and received the training which resulted in his long-term chef career.

Ken married Roberta Dunn on Dec. 23, 1974. They were later divorced. They had one son, Ken Jr., on Jan. 29, 1976. Kenny Kr. shared the love of "all things outdoors" with his dad. They skied, hunted and fished side by side for many years.

Professionally, Ken worked as head chef at many of the Pacific Northwest's premiere restaurants, including; the Beach House, the Cedars, the Polynesian, Lake Quinault Lodge and the Riverside Red Lion. He was also the food service director for Silverwood Theme Park for several years.

For Ken, cooking for other people was a creative labor of love. During the 11 years he lived in the Lewis-Clark Valley he served as executive chef at two local restaurants and enjoyed preparing gourmet meals for clients of outfitters on the Snake River. He also discovered a passion for serving the residents of assisted living and long-term care, providing food service management at Juniper Meadows and most recently, Life Care Center in Lewiston. Ken loved to travel and found food to be a universal language, whether talking to street vendors or touring the kitchen of a five-star hotel.

Ken is survived by his son, Ken Olson Jr.; his long-term companion, Mary Lou Franzese of Clarkston, Wash.; his parents Robert and Shirlee Olson of Coeur d'Alene; his sister, Ginny Drevlow of Lewiston; Aunt Penny Sexton of Coeur d'Alene and numerous loving family members. He is also survived by his dear friends in the Big Valley Gourmet Group who he had come to see as his extended family.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Olson Jr.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010, at Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home, Lewiston Chapel.

The family suggests that memorials in Ken's honor be sent to the American Cancer Society, the Humane Society or the local animal shelter.