Bjorn “Buzz” LeRoy Olson, 75, of Newport, Washington, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, May 4, 2026. He was born on February 24, 1951, in Newport to Theadora “Tedi” (Lear) Olson and Floyd O. Olson, and Newport remained his lifelong home. Buzz grew up in Newport and attended the Newport School District from 1st through 12th grade. Family stories tell of his very first day of school, when he climbed the fence, walked home, and proudly announced his escape — a moment that perfectly captured his independent spirit even at a young age. After high school, Buzz attended Spokane Community College, where he trained as a cardiovascular technician. He later worked at Sacred Heart Hospital before returning home to serve for many years at Newport Hospital as an Operating Room Technician. After retiring from the hospital, he continued serving his community as a school bus driver, a role he genuinely enjoyed.

Throughout his life, Buzz also worked in ranching across Washington, Oregon, Illinois, and Idaho, and he maintained hobby farms in both Blanchard, Idaho, and Newport, Washington. Hard work, the outdoors, and caring for land and animals were woven into who he was.

During his senior year of high school. Buzz met the love of his life, Terri Upton. They married on August 23,1969, and shared 52 and a half years of deep, unwavering devotion until Terri’s unexpected passing on March 8, 2022. They were true soulmates — partners in every sense — and together they built a family rooted in love, loyalty, and adventure.

Buzz and Terri were blessed with three children: Bjorn Jr. (JaNina) Shawn (Dawn) Cassandra (Tim) Kirk Their family grew to include numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom Buzz loved with his whole heart. Being a father and grandfather was one of his greatest joys.

Buzz lived life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He enjoyed fishing, metal detecting, gold dredging, shooting, kayaking, four-wheeling, huckleberry picking, and just about any water activity — including scuba diving and snorkeling. He loved ranching and farming, exploring mountain roads, and taking spontaneous adventures. He traveled to Hawaii, Mexico, and across the country, always eager to see something new. A true historian at heart, Buzz carried a wealth of knowledge and loved sharing it with anyone who was interested.

Buzz is survived by his siblings, Roberta “Bodie” Buck of Newport and James “Jim” Olson of Reno, Nevada.

One of the greatest privileges of Buzz's life came on September 26, 1993, when he dedicated his life to the True God, Jehovah. The Newport Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses became his second family, and he loved each member dearly. Buzz touched countless lives with his kindness, generosity, and steady faith. He held a strong and unwavering hope in the resurrection that Jesus promised, confident that he would one day be reunited with his loved ones.

Buzz will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and his family eagerly awaits the day they can welcome him back.

A memorial for Buzz, open to family and friends, will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

Address: 101 Lilac Ln, Newport, WA 99156. A reception will follow at Newport High School, located at 1380 5th St, Newport, WA 99156.

For those attending in person or joining remotely, the memorial will also be available via Zoom: Zoom Meeting ID: 895 2650 5564 Passcode: 91471 Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at Sherman-Campbell. com.

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