A hero passes: Tributeto Principal Bob Olson

My hero, Bob Olson, one of the finest elementary school principals ever to grace the halls of Coeur d'Alene's schools, passed away on Good Friday this year.

Bob was a thoroughbred Norwegian who had more talent in his little finger than most educators have in their whole minds.

He started his career in Medimont early, soon moving to Coeur d'Alene to take the helm at Bryan Elementary School, a principal who did as much teaching to the students as he did administering to the teachers. He taught them to sing, he gave guitar lessons to those who were interested. He mentored me when I began my teaching career on the reservation at Worley in 1955, essentially providing me with ideas which I carried throughout my days as a teacher.

Then, when I became a principal, I always tried to be a principal like Bob: One with the interests of the teachers important, along with the interests of the students. An administrator who didn't really act from the standpoint of teachers working for him, but one who worked for the teachers, to aid them in doing the best job for the kids.

A talented guitar player and teacher, he launched many a child into the love of playing and singing.

A talented story teller, with a sense of humor unequaled, and a timing for jokes that should be the envy of every stand-up comedian.

A talented fisherman, who caught the famed "bluebacks" during the heyday of Lake Pend Oreille's great kokanee fishery. He produced the finest "smoked bluebacks" in Coeur d'Alene in the '50s and '60s, in his old refrigerators which he fine-tuned with a great recipe for the fish. Back then, every bar in town was furnished with smoked fish which folks enjoyed with their beer.

His Swedish dialect gave humor to several of his many polished songs, some of which were his original compositions.

He was also a talented poet, songwriter, and had a huge repertoire of amusing folk songs, and did many gigs with his son who became a professional musician.

He was a talented cook and his other son became a professional chef.

His daughter became a successful teacher to follow in his footsteps.

We've lost a fine gentleman, a man whose life was richly fulfilling, with the many people whose lives were graced with his friendship and mentoring.

A great friend to many, a hero to me.

His radiance will live on in our memories, and the famous poem by the old cowboy poet, Wally MacCrae, aptly explains Bob Olson:

MY REQUIEM by Wally MacCrae

Some leave their mark on a branded hide.

Some on the furrowed earth.

Some aspire to reproduce

Themselves in those they birth.

Some leave their marks on canvas,

Bronze or stone that will survive

Well after their creator

No longer is alive.

Some would build an edifice,

An architectural gem,

To serve throughout the ages

As a lasting requiem.

But grant to me this final wish

When I say that last amen:

Let my mark be carried lightly

In the hearts and minds of men.