MILLBROOK — Almost everyone in the Millbrook area knew Ed Olson, and to know him was to love him. His smile was contagious, his love of service to others was legendary. When he passed away on Thursday, Feb. 10, the shock and sadness was felt by about the entire community.
Olson was born on July 10, 1948, in nearby Salt Point, on his family farm, which he lived on for his entire life. The farm goes back two generations before him.
He graduated from Millbrook High School in 1966. Over the years he worked as a mechanic; he worked for the highway departments of both Town of Washington and the Town of Union Vale.
A farmer throughout his life, when he retired from his full-time jobs, he delivered milk for Hudson Valley Fresh.
What Olson will probably be remembered for by most is his volunteer work. He was a firefighter for 54 years with the East Clinton Volunteer Fire Department (ECVFD) where he served as president, vice-president and safety officer. In fact he was the president when he died.
“I have known Ed for my entire life, stretching back to our childhood as attendees in the Clinton Corners Community Friends Church, where his family was extremely active,” said ECVFD Fire Chief Don Estes. “Ed knew and was known well by our extended community. This in large was due to his dedication to service. This service included his total immersion in the Boy Scouts of America [BSA] and the Clinton Volunteer Fire Department. There were also other community activities of which he was involved, but the Boy Scouts and fire department were his community passion.”
His sense of altruism, even later in life, was often remarked upon by those who knew him.
“Ed exemplified what the concept of volunteer and community involvement represents,” continued Estes. “Though he was totally dedicated to his civic organizations, he always found time to help anyone in need. He was a compassionate person and an extremely loyal friend. The world would be a better place if more people followed his life creed, and is a much sadder place with his departure.”
Many young men remember Olson leading the Boy Scouts, calling him a great role model. Involved with the BSA for almost 40 years, Olson started with the Scouts back in the mid-1980s.
Millbrook Village Trustee and fellow Scout leader Mike Herzog fondly remembers their sons were around the same age when they joined the Cub Scouts. Long after their boys had grown, Olson and Herzog continued as leaders with Troop 31 and remained friends.
Herzog praised Olson’s tenacity, his leadership and his ability to encourage other adults to volunteer.
Noticeably sad, Herzog said, “It was a joy and a privilege to work with him, and it will leave a big hole.”
He fondly remembered a few years ago when they both attended a Millbrook Fireman’s Dinner. Their table included seven or so firemen, former Scouts. It was a moment filled with pride, said Herzog.
Millbrook Trustee Peter Doro, who serves with Herzog, is a former Eagle Scout from Troop 31.
Under Olson’s leadership, Troop 31 grew from fewer than 20 Scouts to more than 60. Olson was proud of his troop, his work with the Scouts and that more joined.
And many were proud of Olson, who was bestowed with many honors during his lifetime. Although he was always modest, others were happy to applaud him. He received the Betty White Community Service Award from the Millbrook Rotary Club; he was given the CVFD Firefighter of the Year; he was a recipient of the Poppa John Award. He was also a member of the Washington Hollow Cemetery Association and served as a Trustee of the Lyall Memorial Federated Church.
Olson leaves behind his wife, Laurie Metcalf Olson, four children, their spouses and his beloved grandchildren.
He will be missed by many, for his infectious smile, his humor and his love of helping anyone who needs it. He will be remembered for those things, along with his love of life, of work, of family, of volunteering and of making the world a better place for all of the 73 years he was on it.
