Kurt N. Olson

OLSON, Kurt N.

Age 84, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at Portsmouth Regional Hospital in Portsmouth, NH, with his son Hans Olson and ex-wife and dear friend Fredricka (Bliden) Olson by his side. Born on November 27, 1939, in Nashua, NH, Kurt was the beloved only child of Oscar and Marion (Hills) Olson. He graduated from Hollis High School in 1957 and went on to attend the University of Arizona and the University of New Hampshire before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1960. Kurt served with the Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit in Colorado and Panama, and after his honorable discharge, he returned to his studies, ultimately earning a degree in forestry from the University of New Hampshire.

Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Kurt pursued a doctorate in forestry and remote sensing from the University of Minnesota. Upon completing his Ph.D., he moved with his young family to Boise, ID, where he began working for the U.S. Forest Service. Kurt later returned to his alma mater, the University of New Hampshire, taking a faculty position in the forestry department. Kurt, along with Fredricka and their son Hans, settled on a small farm in Farmington, NH. Life on the farm was filled with animals–including horses, chickens, and a charming donkey named Chiquita–as well as gardens, blueberry fields, and countless projects, such as building a three-story barn nearly single-handedly.

Kurt was a steward of the land, passionate about the outdoors, and never one to remain idle. After leaving academia, he embarked on a career as an environmental consultant, working with numerous firms, including his friend Peter Speer’s. He had a lifelong love for dogs, particularly Irish Setters, and spoke of them as cherished companions. Over the years, Kurt shared his life with many beloved dogs, including Gunner, Shawn, Heidi, Mercy, Tsuga, and his last loyal companion, Greta.

Kurt found love and adventure with Pauline Theriault, with whom he shared over 20 years of exploration and joy. Together, they traveled across the U.S., embracing nature and spending time in their favorite places–New Hampshire and Tucson, AZ. Their travels often included RV trips where they met friends both old and new. They were avid birders and enjoyed adding new species to their life lists.

Kurt is survived by his son Hans Olson, daughter-in-law Kathleen Olson, grandsons Erik and John Olson, his cousin Ted Chamberlain and family, Pauline’s daughters, his ex-wife and friend Fredricka B. Olson, and many friends who will remember him fondly.

SERVICES: Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Kurt N. Olson at a memorial service on Saturday, November 2nd at 10:00 a.m. at the Congregational Church of Hollis, 3 Monument Square, Hollis, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kurt’s memory to the NH Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society by visiting them online at https://www.uplandstore.org/products/donation. The Davis Funeral Home, 1 Lock St, Nashua, NH, has been placed in charge of arrangements. An online guest book is available at www.davisfuneralhomenh.com. (603)883-3401 “ONE MEMORY LIGHTS ANOTHER.”