Robert James Olson, beloved school principal and lifetime educator, passed away at Sacred Heart Medical Center on Friday, April 18, 2014, surrounded by loved ones. 

A native of Coeur d'Alene, Robert "Bob" was born June 6, 1925, to Calin Olson and Ruth Anderson Olson. He attended area schools and graduated from Coeur d'Alene High School in 1943. 

Bob immediately joined the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific Theater aboard the USS Pandemus during WWII, participating in the "Liberation of China." After his first tour of duty ended, Bob returned to Coeur d'Alene and attended North Idaho Junior College in 1948, earning an AA in Math and Sciences. Bob was recruited to teach grades 5-8 at Cave Lake School in Medimont, Idaho. There he found what was to be his life's vocation. While living in Medimont he met Shirlee Pence, and in his words, they "were inseparable from that point on." Bob and Shirlee married in September, 1949. He entered Eastern Washington College, receiving his Bachelor Degree in 1951, graduating with highest honors.

During the Korean War, Bob was reactivated into the U.S. Navy and served one year on Guam at the Naval Communication Center as a code encryptor. He returned to Coeur d'Alene to begin a 42 year career in Idaho education after earning his Master's degree in School Administration.

Bob began as a teaching principal in Spirit Lake in 1953, then served as principal of Bryan Elementary in Coeur d'Alene, remaining in that position through four decades. He then served as principal at Dalton Elementary for two years before his retirement in 1991.

Bob was known by scores of students for his musical ability. He instilled the love of music into hundreds of students with his guitar playing and school wide sing-a-longs.

Active with the Idaho Education Association (IEA) on both local and state levels, Bob was a lifetime member in the IEA/National Endowment of the Arts, and the Retired Educators Association of Idaho, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007. He was a 67 year member of Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 486, and the BPO Elks, participating in the Elk Chorus in the 50's and 60's. 

Bob enjoyed many activities throughout his life including fishing with his sons and grandsons, playing music, as well as swimming and boating at his home on the Spokane River. He was also known for his WONDERFUL smoked Blueback!

Bob was preceded in death by his two sons, Kenneth Olson and Robert Olson, Jr., and his sister, Carol Petris. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirlee; daughter, Ginny (Mark) Drevlow; grandchildren: Kenny Olson Jr., Kristopher Maxey, Ryan Grimes, and Alexee Grimes; eight great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and loving relatives. 

At Bob's request there will be no services.