Keith Olson

Keith S. Olson, age 80, of Twin Fall, Idaho, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on March 6, 2021, from a very sudden and fast-spreading sarcoma. Keith was born November 30, 1940, at a hospital in the middle of the river between Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, to Harold and Lucille Salton Olson. Keith graduated from Los Gatos High School in Los Gatos, California, where he was a star baseball player. Keith was offered a baseball scholarship to Stanford University; however, he chose to pursue his lifelong desire to attend the Colorado School of Mines, where he earned his Professional Engineering (PE) degree in mining engineering. Keith met the love of his life, Linda Paul, while attending college; Keith at CSM, Linda at the University of Colorado. They were married August 31, 1963, at the First Methodist Church in Greeley, Colorado, Linda’s hometown. They were married for 57 years and never far from each other’s side. Keith’s mining career took the couple all over the, where he managed mines in Greece, Thailand, Canada, Liberia, and various mines within the United States. He loved being able to work on a project in the former U.S.S.R after the fall of Communism, as well as working on a project in the Republic of Yemen, which he said was fascinating, and he always wished to return someday. After his retirement he and Linda loved to travel. He also took great pride in his yard and garden, which many commented was as beautiful as a park. Keith grew up spending many summers at a camp in Yosemite, probably his most favorite place on Earth. A celebration of life will be held at a future date, and the family will take his ashes to Yosemite per his final request. Keith is survived by his wife Linda; his daughter Paula (Mitch) Barreras of Twin Falls, son Kirk Olson (Leanna) of Larkspur, Colorado, daughter Erica (Bryan) Sommer of Twin Falls; 8 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a son Terry Krebs of Oregon, and his family.