Ken Olson Obituary

Olson
Ken Paul
Olson
June 26, 1935
January 2, 2024

Kenneth Paul Olson was born in Providence, Rhode Island on June 26, 1935 and married Judith Hazard Johnson in 1965. Judith died in 2008. He has a stepson Glenn Edward Johnson who lives with his wife Mary in Saguache, Colorado. Upon graduation from East Providence High School in 1953 Ken was drafted into the United States Navy in 1954, served two years and received an honorable discharge. Making use of the GI Bill he entered the University of Denver receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology in 1960 and then a Master of Arts from the University of Colorado. He has been a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor and a Reiki Master. As its first CEO in 1960 he was charged with organizing Goodwill Industries in Colorado Springs, was appointed to the Governor's Committee on hiring of the Handicapped, then was appointed to the Presidents Committee. He was a Rehabilitation Counselor with the Colorado Division of Rehabilitation. From 1997 to retirement in 2008 was in private practice as a Vocational Expert for the Social Security Administration, Colorado Department of Labor, and the United States Department of Labor. Ken was active in community affairs in Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs until an illness prevented continuing. He had been Chairperson of the Manitou Springs Art Project, Vice President of the Business of Art Center, President of the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce, Development Committee member, Member of the City Council, City Planning Commission, Chair of the Personnel Appeals Board and member of the Consumer Council of the Colorado Insurance Council. Ken was a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor. In 1965 Ken was the recipient of the Colorado Springs Jaycees Distinguished Service Award and in 1991 recognized as the Small Business Person of the year by the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce. Ken was a great community supporter who gave freely of his time, talent and treasures.

A celebration of Ken's life will be held on Sat. Jan. 13, 2024 at the Manitou Springs Community Congregational Church, 103 Pawnee Ave. at 3 PM. A community reception to follow in fellowship hall.