Harold Otto "Sonny" Olson

GONE IN SEARCH OF THAT BIG ONE!

On December 20, 2022, Hal ‘Sonny’ Olson, an avid fisherman, left this world to find a bigger fish!

Hal was born on July 15, 1934, to Harold Leonard and Jessie LaTray Olson in Dunkirk, Montana. He was raised in Chinook, then later lived in Butte/ Helena, and lastly Great Falls, Montana.

In 1951, Hal enlisted in the US Navy and served on the USS Balduck and USS Proton until 1955. Upon his return from military service, the National Film Co. in Butte employed him until he was hired by Western/Delta Airlines in 1965 and retired in 1995.

In 1957, Hal married Shirley Warila. From this union they welcomed Tracey Ann, Harold Leonard, and Nancy Lee (Leddige). They then later divorced.

In 1977, Hal married his best friend and fishing partner, Kitty Shields. They spent the next 45 years exaggerating their fishing tales.

Hal was a proud member of the Little Shell and Turtle Mountain Pembina Tribes and was a lifetime member of the VFW and Past Post Commander of Post 10010 in East Helena. He was an avid bowler and hunter as well as involved in Special Olympics, and being a Little League Baseball coach.

In 1987, Hal was encouraged by his friend Roger Larsen to join Walleyes Unlimited, and he never regretted his membership even though it did not mean he could out fish his wife. On a warm Spring Day Hal and Kitty took off to Lake Francis for a few days of fishing. Spending an entire day on the lake, Hal caught the only fish. He had asked Kitty to run to town to pick up some beer while he cleaned his fish. Being the dutiful wife, she jumped in the pickup to head to town. Unbeknownst to her, Hal had already taken the fish out of the boat and laid it on the grass. While driving out, Kitty heard a loud popping sound. Thinking it was the truck tires she stopped and heard some yelling about a fish. POOF, no longer did Hal have proof he had out fished Kitty that day. She immediately left for the beer.

Preceding him in death are his parents; sisters, Arlene Ruth ‘Tiny’ (Bud)Harvey, Phyllis ‘Sis’ (Jerry) Anderson; brother, Howard Olson; son-in-law, Gary Leddige; nieces, Patty Harvey, and Donna Harvey (Jim) Moyer whom he frequently babysat; canine buddies, Tyson and Buddy; feline friends, Puddles, Shadow, Squeaky, Pokie, and U2, equine pals, Flicka and Hallie.

Surviving is his wife, Kitty; his children Tracey Ann, Harold Leonard, and Nancy Lee (Leddige); former spouse, Shirley; brothers, Leonard C. (Wendy) and Larry A. (Barb) Olson; in/out-laws, Mickey, Jackie, Mary (George) Emmett and Holly Shields; niece’s, Kacie and Kristin Emmett, Karlene Anderson- Faulkner, Kari Hoffman, Robin (Jim) Miotke, Jerri (Cal Strilcov) Parker, Lori Anderson-Berndt, Denise Harvey-Turner, Deanna, Angela Olson, and Jennifer (Wayne) Keck; nephews; Tony (Teresa), Brian (Christie), Scott (Tammy), Darry (Jeff) Olson and his very special nephew and helper Alvin Anderson; numerous great/grand nieces and nephews. Also, his incredibly special friends, Bon L Larsen, Clara Noble and Penny Hughes.

Hal’s family wishes to thank the Benefis ER staff for their kindness and caring at the end. The Great Falls Clinic Staff, in particular the 2 ^nd floor inpatient staff, Dr. Carey Welsh, Dr. Michael Richie, Dr. Ruslan Soldyshev, and Dr. Brett Williams.

Never losing his sense of humor, as the doctor explained that he was in renal failure and filling up with water, Hal asked, “Well, where’s the fish?” and then he left to find them.

At his request, no services are planned. His ashes will be spread at his favorite fishing hole, Lake Francis sometime this Spring/Summer or when the wind quits blowing!