Colonel Eugene T. (Gene) Olson (Ret.), age 90, passed away in Brendan House on April 29, 2010. His grandfather homesteaded near Lincoln, and his father as a young man guarded the silver shipments on the stage coach run between Virginia City and Helena. His father later ranched near Helena and met and married his mother there. He was born in Alberta, Canada on November 30, 1919, when his parents were visiting his mother’s parents. Soon afterward they returned to Montana and as Gene grew older he attended schools in Great Falls, Fort Peck, and Butte. He graduated High School in Cut Bank, Montana. Gene then attended Montana State University at Bozeman on a basketball scholarship, and while there met and married a lovely Norwegian girl, Agnes (Kit), they were married for 63 years. From college he entered the U.S. Army. It was WW II and he was commissioned and fought in France and Germany. As Commander of Slavic and German POW Stockades in France and England, he was instrumental in dispersing them to various units. After the war, he attended and taught military law in the Provost Marshal General School. He was then selected for 4 years graduate work in Soviet Public Law at Columbia University in New York, and in Soviet Geopolitics in the Institute for Advanced Soviet and East European Studies in Germany. As a Diplomatic courier, he traveled extensively in Russia and Eastern Europe and was able to smuggle the then forbidden Bibles into Russia. Later, while assigned in Washington D.C., he became an Advisor on Soviet Affairs to the Secretary of Agriculture when Khrushchev, the leader of the Soviet Union, and his minister of Agriculture visited the United States. Serving for several years as Special Assistant to several different cabinet members in Washington D.C., he conducted their visits to the Soviet Union, and then also escorted Soviet officials visiting the United States. Later he was asked to organize and accompany U.S. trade promoting groups traveling to major countries around the world. His last assignment, six years before his retirement was as a United States Attache in the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa, Canada His military awards included the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster; American Theater Ribbon, European Theater Ribbon with 2 battle stars; the Victory Medal, Army Occupation Ribbon with “German” clasp; and the Combat Infantry Badge. As a soldier and diplomat, through the years, the ups and downs, he gave thanks to his Savior for His abiding love and guidance day by day; and also for a loving wife who was always there with loving help and prayers. As he said “It’s been a good life together, and the best is yet to come, thanks be to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God.” This well traveled and educated man who’s been involved with world leaders and at the same time truly knows the One who created the world? Who had a deep abiding love for his dear wife and loved the Lord God with all his heart. There’s only one man, one crown jewel hand crafted by God that fit’s the description - Colonel Eugene Olson. Gene was very active with the Gideon’s in placing Bibles. He was very active with the Kalispell Foursquare Church, and devoted his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Myrtle and Charlie Olson, dear wife Agnes and brother Jack Edgar. He is survived by his daughter Ardis (Ardy) Adams and husband Joe of Maryville, TN; nephew John Edgar of Thailand, niece Angie Colombini of Santa Rosa, CA; grandchildren Mike (Tracie) Adams of Atlanta, GA, and Jim (Heather) Adams of Easley S.C.; great grandchildren David, Brett, Andy, and Libby; great niece Amee (Jim) Knight of Santa Barbara, CA; great nephews Mike (Amy) Edgar of Sacramento, CA; Cameron Boles of Bakersfield, CA; great-great nephews Luke and Keef and a great great niece Clare.