Alan Heiberg Olson

Alan Heiberg Olson was born in Twin Valley, Minnesota on September 29th, 1927.  Alan graduated from Ada High School in 1945.  He served in the US Army Paratroopers during the occupation of Japan in 1946.  He received his Master Aviation Mechanics license from the Civil Aeronautics Administration in 1948.  Alan was a licensed private pilot who restored three classic antique aircraft in his lifetime.

In 1949, he married Elaine Storms of Ada and moved to California where he attended CSU Chico.  Alan majored in Psychology and Sociology receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in 1954.  Alan was also a graduate of San Francisco Theological Seminary receiving a Master of Divinity in 1957.   He was ordained to the Christian Gospel Ministry (Presbyterian Church USA) in 1957.  Alan served as a Pastor for 12 years before he taught at Vail Continuation High School in Montebello for 18 years.

Alan is survived by Elaine, his loving wife of 68 years, his son Kirk Storms Olson, daughter-in-law Cheri-Jan and grandson Chandler Bennett Olson, son-in-law David Evans and grandchildren Connor and Emily.  He is preceded in death by his two sisters, Leona Pfund and Clarice Wallace, stepbrothers Graydon and Lowell Storms, daughter Carolyn Marie Evans and grandson Trent Elliott Olson.

Alan’s hobbies included writing poetry, family camping, swimming, singing, playing and teaching pool, basketball, mechanics, model building and flying sailplanes.  He has been a resident of Arroyo Grande for 29 years.  Alan was a founding member of the First Presbyterian Church of Arroyo Grande and enjoyed a number of years as a member of Nipomo Community Presbyterian Church.

Alan’s family is grateful for the love of many friends and extended family near and far, those who traveled to be here today and those who were unable to attend.

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