Holvar Olson

On July 24, 2010, Dr. Holvar E. Olson, passed away unexpectedly in his home in Petersburg, Virginia where he resided for many years. He was the first born of the late Sergeant-Major Howard Olson and Dorothy Susong Olson on January 4, 1948 in Frankfort, Germany. He was an Eagle Scout with Seven Palms. He is a charter and life member of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity. He is a past advisor of the Order of the Arrow, Boy Scouts of America. He has been listed in Whoâ??s Who nationally on several occasions. He received the Medal of Freedom award from the Valley Forge Freedom Foundation for his work with Boy Scouts. After graduation from the Old Petersburg High School in 1966, he graduated from Salem College in 1970 with a double major in psychology and human relations. After a career in the mental health field, he went on to earn a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology with help and support of his wife of thirteen years, Karen Penn Johnson. He was a member of the Petersburg Jaycees from 1970 to 1981. He went to work for the Crisis Assistance Response Emergency Shelter, Inc. (CARES) from 1995 to the present as Executive Director. He was a member of the Eagles, Moose, and Blandford Masonic Lodge, as well as the American Legion. He also worked with Troop #170, as their Scoutmaster. He received the Wood Badge Beads in 1977. He is survived by his brother, Howard E. Olson from Staunton and numerous family and friends. A graveside service will be held 11 a.m., Friday, August, 6, 2010 at Southlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to CARES Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 1142, Petersburg, VA 23804. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com