After a life spent bringing joy to those around him, Neal Hamiel Olson went home to be with the Lord on June 12, 2026, in Bellingham, Washington, at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Neal was born on April 19, 1948, in Mattoon, Illinois, to Robert “Bob” and Eunice Olson. The Olsons were a family that loved people, loved music, and loved bringing joy to those around them. Gathering with friends and family, sharing laughter, telling stories, and singing together were simply a way of life for them. Throughout the years, the song “Bill Bailey” became the unofficial anthem of the Olson family, and Neal carried that tradition with him throughout his life. It is fitting that one of the last things he did was sing with family and friends, because music, laughter, and togetherness were woven into the fabric of his life.

In 1963, Neal moved with his family to Texas. He attended Plano High School, where he played football and was a member of the 1965 state championship team. After graduating in 1966, he attended both Texas Tech University in Lubbock and North Texas State University in Denton.

Like many young men of his generation, Neal embraced the free spirit of the 1970s. In 1971, he moved to Grand Lake, Colorado, where he met the love of his life, Kim Wind of Millbrae, California. They were married “hippie style” in a field on June 24, 1972, beginning a beautiful partnership that would span 54 years. Their daughter Amber was born in Colorado and famously came home from the hospital in a Coors beer truck. In 1974, the family moved to Southern Oregon, where their daughter Autumn was later born, and where he would spend the majority of his life.

Together, Neal and Kim built a remarkable life along Sardine Creek near Medford, Oregon. They lived “the dream” of country living that included a garden, orchard, and many animals over the years. With determination and hard work, together Neal and Kim built their family home by hand on 26 wooded acres. By profession, Neal worked as a union carpenter, contributing to projects including Lost Creek Dam and Applegate Dam. He later became manager of Oregon Tile and Marble in Medford, where he worked until his retirement in 2014. Upon retirement in 2015, Neal and Kim relocated to Friday Harbor, Washington, where they enjoyed hiking coastal trails, spending time with friends, and taking in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Neal had a special gift for making life enjoyable for others. Whether singing a song, telling a story, hosting a gathering, or sharing a laugh, he made people feel welcome. He never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand. His warm smile, generous hugs, quick wit, and easygoing nature drew people to him wherever he went.

A lifelong outdoorsman, Neal found joy in hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and golf. He especially loved sharing these experiences with others, helping family and friends appreciate the beauty of nature that he treasured so deeply. Some of his favorite adventures included fishing trips with friends and memorable journeys to Alaska, including a special trip to Hoonah, Alaska, with his father, brother, and nephew Justin.

Neal was also a talented craftsman who loved working with his hands. He built furniture, polished stones, and created unique wind chimes from obsidian he collected in Northern California. He took pride in every project he undertook and was dependable, hardworking, and a man of his word.

Above all, Neal’s greatest legacy is one of love. He genuinely loved people and had a remarkable ability to make others feel valued, included, and cared for. He made life brighter for those around him and found joy in helping others enjoy life as much as he did. He will be remembered for the songs he sang, the stories he told, the laughter he inspired, the adventures he shared, and the countless ways he brought happiness to family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers who quickly became friends.

Neal is survived by his beloved wife, Kim Olson of Friday Harbor, Washington; daughter Amber Knapp and her husband John of Henderson, Nevada; daughter Autumn Medina and her husband David of Henderson, Nevada; grandchildren Jack (Audrey) Knapp, Sam Knapp, Daniel (Zoey) Knapp, Lillian Medina, and Emma Medina; great-granddaughter Eden Knapp; and sister Gail Warren of Whitney, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Eunice Olson, and his brother, Gary Olson.

To share memories please visit Neal's online obituary: www.evanschapel.com/obituary/neal-olson