Terry Wayne Olson passed away on the evening of September 14th, 2020 at the St. Vincent’s Heart Unit with his wife and daughter by his side. Terry was 66 years old.
Terry was born in Powers Lake, North Dakota on June 10th, 1954 to Dale and Phyllis Olson. Terry was the third of five children. Terry’s childhood years started helping his father on the farm in Larson, North Dakota. In 1968 his family made the move to Colstrip where his father went to work for Peabody Coal Mine. Terry attended school in Colstrip and graduated from Colstrip High School in 1972.
After graduation Terry attended Hanson Mechanical Trade School in Fargo, North Dakota. Terry joined the International Union of Operating Engineers in 1974. He started out working for Western Energy Company, where he worked for about four years. He then decided to make a change and began working with Oftedal. It was during this time that he met his best friend and the love of his life, Debbie Grady, in January 1980. Terry and Debbie were married August 16th, 1980 in Forsyth, Montana, they had just celebrated their 40th anniversary this year. In this union they had one daughter, Jillian Lynn, born September 7th, 1982.
Terry was also employed with Montana Power Company but he spent the majority of his career with Western Energy Company/Westmoreland as a heavy equipment mechanic until he retired in 2019. Terry also had his own business, Colstrip Auto Repair, doing vehicle repairs in his spare time. In February 2004, Terry and Debbie opened a coffee shop, Hot Shots Espresso, which they ran together for the past 16 years.
Terry realized that all work and no play was no fun and decided they needed to start traveling the United States. They purchased a 5th wheel and started their family vacations, Terry enjoyed visiting new places. He also loved his Harley Davidson Motorcycles. He loved riding when he could, enjoyed going to the Sturgis Rally and taking motorcycle trips with his brothers. One of his favorite things was to take a ride in late September in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Terry was also an avid reader; his favorites were Westerns. He was always in the middle of a good book. Terry was a genius mechanic, there wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix from vehicles to espresso machines, he did it all.
Terry was a caring and loving husband and an amazing father. His family always came first. He was very proud of his daughter. He was beaming ear to ear when Jill received her Master’s degree knowing how hard she worked for it. He was also looking forward to Jill and Gene’s wedding. Terry also enjoyed visiting with his family and playing Whist at family get togethers.
Terry battled with diabetes for 60 years and it took a real toll on his body but he never let it stop him. He prided himself on how well he monitored his diabetes. The last couple of years he had several setbacks that affected his heart to the point that it just couldn’t go on. He fought a good fight with the help of his wife and family who were at his side until the end. We have been extremely blessed to have Terry in our lives. He was a loyal husband, father, son, brother, and friend.
Terry was preceded in death by his father, Dale Olson. Terry is survived by his loving wife Debbie and his daughter Jillian (Gene). His mother, Phyllis Olson of Colstrip. His brothers and sisters Judy (Rick) Lumm of Missouri, Vicki (Kim) Mees of Forsyth, Roger Olson of Colstrip, and Layne (Sandi) Olson of Colstrip. Terry is also survived by his nieces and nephews.
We would like to thank all of Terry’s doctors and nurses that have helped him over the years.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday September 18, 2020
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday September 18, 2020
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
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Corrina says
So sorry to hear about Terry’s passing. He was a good friend.
Duane and Sue Allred says
We would like to extend our condolences to all of Terry’s family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Shelly Holum says
Sending prayers to all of the family
Bob Lamb says
I am very sorry to hear about Terry’s passing
Everett Tallwhiteman says
Rest In Peace, TO
Boni & Gary Eernisse says
We are saddened to hear of Terry’s passing. Prayers for comfort and peace.
Carla & Jay Kapptie says
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Sue Mestad says
So very sorry for your loss, Deb & Jill. Sending thoughts and prayers.
Linda Hamilton says
Debbie and Jill,
We are so very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Laurie Lelm says
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for Terry’s family.
Doran and Sandy Hewitt says
So very sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers be with you.
sharon cope says
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to all the family.
Bob Pestreich says
Sending prays to family. Terry’s passing leaves broken heartaches no one can heal. Terry’s warm voice, awesome aura of kindness and friendship will last forever.
Randy and Cora Stennerson says
Terry, May you have safe travel and are now free of all pain. Will miss seeing you around. Condolences to the family. Rest In Peace friend.
Marilyn Watson says
Prayers of comfort to Terry’s family.
Shirley Skinner says
Heartfelt condolences to Terry’s family. We were saddened to hear of his passing. Prayers of peace and comfort for his family.
Mick, Jo Brady and Family says
We are saddened for your loss. Prayers
Susie Wollan says
Terry was always willing to help people. One spring when we got a late snow storm Terry put my studded snow tires back on my car so I could travel to Billings for an appointment. He always greeted folks with a wide smile. Deb took such good care of him thru the years. Colstrip will miss him. Rest in peace Terry. Blessings to your family.
Lu and Dave Shomate/Hensel says
We are so sorry to hear of this loss. Debbie and Jill your husband and father was one of a kind, a real special guy. Always friendly, always helpful, always smiling. Keeping you and your entire family in thought and prayer.
Dan & Wendy Negethon says
To all of the Olson family – we send you our sincere condolences at the loss of Terry – a truly great guy and friend. God’s peace be with you all.
carla and Brian walker says
So very sorry for you’re loss prayers for the family
Mary & Larry says
So sorry for your loss, Debbie. Prayers and hugs to you and Jill.
Monte Wilke says
To Phyllis and the rest of the Olson family:
Barb and I send our deepest condolences to the Olson family.
It seems like hardly a day went by that I didn’t stop and have a short chat with Terry in the mechanic shop over the last 40 years. Terry, you will be missed.
We are so sorry for your loss.
May the Good Lord give you Peace.
Ken Treib says
To the families, i feel you loss and have you in my prayers for strength and healing.
Debra & Pete Nolan says
Our condolences to all of Terry’s family. RIP Terry.
Bill & Leona Mayo says
Our condolences to Terry’s family, He always had a smile on his face, our prayers are with you.
Kristine Logan says
To the Olson family,
Our thoughts and prays are with your family. I enjoyed my conversations with Terry. Will miss seeing him in his overalls! May Terry find peace now.
Kristy and Glenn Logan
Joe and Loy Martens says
Our condolences to all Terry’s family. This community will miss him.
John and Barb Groom says
Sending Prayers and Condolences to Terry’s Family. I am So Sorry for Your Loss. I apologize for not being able to attend his service. God Bless You All and May Terry Rest in Peace…
Roberta says
So very sorry for your loss Debbie and Jill hugs and prayers to both of you .Terry will truly be missed
Bev Chatelain says
Sending prayers and condolences to Jill and her family. My nephew Gene’s engagement to Jill and be part of the family is super great and we were all looking forward to their marriage. Terry will be greatly missed !
Fay Matheny says
Prayers and condolencess to Terry’s family.
Carol Plympton says
Our hearts and prayers are with you all. May God hold you tightly through this hard time. Love and hugs to all. ❤
Roger Sprague says
Such a great guy, so saddened by his passing.
Doug and Debbie Skiles says
To the family of Terry, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. He was a nice guy. He will be missed. Love, Hugs and Prayers!
Kirk Olson says
So sorry to hear of this just now. My thoughts are with you and your daughter Debbie- God Speed!