Robert Mel Olson

July 22, 1928 – July 3, 2018

Robert Mel Olson, 89, passed away July 3, 2018 in Moses Lake, Wash. Mel was born on July 22, 1928 in Yakima. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Edna and his brother John. He is survived by his spouse of nearly 70 years Vicki; daughters Pam Sharp (David) of Kennewick and Jan Jordan (Alan) of Richland; grandchildren Jaime Sharp of Hailey, Idaho, Erik Sharp of Kennewick, Kris and Scott Jordan of Richland and Jesse Jordan of Copperas Cove, Texas and six great-grandchildren. He was a devoted husband and father.

Mel grew up in Yakima, graduating from Davis High School and later graduating with honors at WSU with a degree in education. At WSU he was on the collegiate swimming and diving team and captain of the cheerleading squad. He was also in ROTC and later served in the Korean War as a captain in the infantry. He was decorated with a Bronze Star with Valor and a Purple Heart.

Mel came to Moses Lake in 1955, teaching at Chief Moses until his retirement in 1981. He taught physical education and was wrestling and football coach. He coached numerous future state and national wrestling champions. He was instrumental in starting the youth wrestling program in the 1950s, which later underpinned the wrestling dominance of Moses Lake High School.

Mel was an icon for Moses Lake High sports. He was known as the “Voice of the Chiefs” for his 50 years of broadcasting Moses Lake wrestling, football and basketball with his very able assistant Vicki. He was not just a broadcaster. He talked with and knew the individual participants and coaches. His broadcasts were riveting. He was very proud of the Moses Lake community and its sports teams. During his years teaching, coaching and mentoring, and later in retirement, he touched and gave life lessons to thousands of Moses Lake youth, sometimes across three generations of the same family.

Mel participated in many other activities including being a nationally ranked water skier and judge, American Water Ski Association member emeritus, 25 years on the National Ski Patrol, Emergency Medical Technician, Japanese Agricultural Exchange Program, Moses Lake Sports Hall of Fame and board member, Washington State Wrestling Hall of Fame, Inland Empire Hall of Fame, National Wrestling Hall of Fame, and Ranger 20 National Sailing Champion. In his later years, he became an avid bike rider as it allowed him to exercise and be free of restrictions from his war injuries.

Private family graveside services were held at Pioneer Memorial Gardens. Kayser’s Chapel is handling arrangements. In the near future, there will be a “Mel Olson Remembrance Celebration” so his many friends in the community can share their experiences and memories of Mel.

Please sign the online guest book at www.kayserschapel.com.