The Post-Journal

Clarence W. Olson

Clarence W. “Flash” Olson, 69, of Heritage Park Health Care Center, formerly of 1950 Winch Rd., Lakewood, died at 3 p.m. Monday (July 27, 1998) in WCA Hospital.

A lifelong area resident, he was born April 4, 1929, in Jamestown, the son of William J. and Signe Carlson Olson.

He was a 1948 graduate of Southwestern Central School and a veteran of the Korean Conflict, serving as a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division from 1950 to 1951. In 1954 he graduated from the State College at Brockport, where he also completed three years of graduate work.

From 1954 until retirement in 1989, he was a teacher at Southwestern where he also coached football for 20 years and was the first wrestling coach, serving for 21 years. He was a long-time member of the Chautauqua County Teachers Association, life member of the Chautauqua County Athletic Association, member and vice commander of Lakewood Memorial Post 1286 American Legion and member of the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club.

Surviving are his wife, the former Nancy Cass, whim he married September 13, 1952; a son, William R. Olson a daughter, Terri Olson Walsh, both of Studio City, Calif.; two granddaughters: Wendy E. and Laura L. Walsh of Studio City; a brother, Raymond Olson; and a sister, Phyllis Olson Swanson, both of Lakewood.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday in the Southwestern Central School Auditorium.

Friends will be received in the Lakewood Memorial Post 1286 American Legion, 174 Chautauqua Ave., Lakewood following the service.

Memorials may be made to the Lakewood Memorial Post 1286 American Legion or to the Southwestern School Athletic Association, 600 Hunt Rd., West Ellicott, Jamestown, N.Y. 14701.

Arrangements are by the Lind Funeral Home.


The additional financial assistance of the community is critical to the success of the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame.
We gratefully acknowledge these individuals and organizations for their generous support.