Charlie Olson, 71

Charlie Olson, 71, of Post Falls, passed away Friday, April 22, 2011, at Kootenai Medical Center.

Charlie was born April 25, 1939, in Muskegon, Mich.; the son of Wilma (Brenner) and Joe Basnaw. He married his beloved wife Mary on July 6, 1965, in Coeur d'Alene.

Charlie grew up in Sandpoint. He served his country as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army, based overseas and in the Vietnam theater from 1958 until his honorable discharge in 1965. While raising his family, he lived the hard life of a logger and then a part owner in the 219 Tavern in Sandpoint until 1998.

Despite suffering from kidney failure for the past 10 years, Charlie remained a warm, steady presence in his family home, up to the end showing the strength and humor that characterized his life.

He was a devoted father and proud grandfather. He loved American history, stock cars, horse racing and travelling to Montana. He will be greatly missed by all of his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Mary Ann; their four daughters, Leahann, Rochelle, Cherie and Valerie and his beloved grandson, Samuel.

A memorial will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 21, 2011, at Falls Christian Assembly, 1687 E. Horsehaven Ave., Post Falls, (208) 773-4722.

In lieu of flowers, the family would request a donation in Charlie's memory to the Wounded Warrior Foundation or the National Kidney Foundation.

In accordance with Charlie's wishes, cremation has been officiated by English Funeral Chapel.