R. Garth Olson

R. Garth Olson, 77, of Merrimack, NH, died on February 10, 2018 at the Community Hospice House surrounded by family, after a brief battle with a rare and aggressive cancer.

He was born on February 6, 1941 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan Canada, a son of Kathleen “Kay” Olson (Barnes) and William P. Olson. He was a long-time resident of Merrimack, having moved there in 1984, several years after emigrating to the United States.

Garth worked as an engineer, product manager, and marketing manager in the field of telecommunications for more than 30 years, for companies including Northern Telecom, Rockwell International, Summa Four, and Comverse Technology, before enjoying nearly 20 years of retirement. Garth was a lifelong learner and technology enthusiast who continued to enjoy working on computer and electronics projects even in retirement.

Garth will be remembered as a kind, quiet, and thoughtful man with a wry sense of humor and a keen intellect.

In life he loved to read, garden, woodwork, tend his pet bird “Hello Sweetie”, and cook delicious food,

especially for his family and friends.

Garth is survived by his 3 children; son Kevin Olson of Nashua NH and his wife Karin Harvey-Olson, and their four children; Martin, Ivy Rose, Patrick, and Neva; son Dennis Olson of Methuen MA and his fiancé Ingrid Reyes, and their 3 children; Milton, Margaret, and Hayley; daughter Valerie Shutt and her husband Kelly Shutt of Kyle TX and their daughter Clara.

He is also survived by 3 siblings; brother Terry Olson of Palm Springs CA, sister Lorna Yee of Winnipeg Manitoba, and brother Keith Olson of Vancouver British Columbia, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a time and date to be determined later. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to The American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701, or NH Audobon Society, 84 Silk Farm Road, Concord, NH 03301.

Arrangements are in the care of Cain and Janosz Funeral Home, 74 Brook Street, Manchester, NH. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.cainjanosz

funeralhome.com.