Blair Thompson Olson was born on an April morning in 1951 in Washington, DC. He immediately made certain that his proud parents, Edwin B. and Helen T. Olson, understood that he was the best man for the job of being their son.
They were a small, close-knit family who, over the years, welcomed the addition of three cousins, Mary Olson and Jeanne Olson of Minnesota and Earle Olson of Pennsylvania. They formed a bond that lasted throughout the years. He convinced them, as well, that he was the best cousin they would ever have.
At Chagrin Falls High School in Ohio, Blair excelled in sports, especially basketball. Following graduation from high school in 1969, he went on to play basketball his Freshman year at Ashland College in Ohio before an injury cut his career short.
Blair pledged the Phi Psi brothers of Ohio Theta at Ashland College (Ashland, Ohio) and convinced his fraternity brothers that he was the best man for the job of being their brother. There he developed many life-long friendships. Blair ascertained that he was the moral compass and voice of reason among his otherwise wayward brothers. Allegedly.
Following graduation from Ashland College in 1973, Blair eventually moved to California where he was involved in the wine industry for most of his adult life. He gathered friends along the way, many of whom he remains close to. Blair convinced them that he was the best wine salesman in California. And he was.
Blair met his wife, Julia, in 2019. Julia knew he was “the one” when he spontaneously belted out his best rendition of “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy”. Despite the fact that he couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket, Blair serenaded Julia as often as he could. They married in July 2020 and in October, Blair retired and moved to Tennessee with Julia to make their home near family and travel to catch up with family and old friends.
Before Blair passed away on November 29, 2020 following a brief illness, he celebrated with his beloved Lakers and Dodgers as they won their respective titles.
Blair was a loving son, cousin, fraternity brother, friend, and husband. He will be remembered by his gentle sensitivity and love toward everyone he met.
Celebrations of Blair’s life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Ashland University, Office of Institutional Advancement, 401 College Avenue, Ashland, OH 44805 in Blair’s memory.
Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, (931)-967-2222
