For Magne Olson, his lifestyle was Park Forest

Time changes everything but friendship.

The clasp of the hand, the pat on back or the kind word can be an unbreakable bond between two people through the years.

And so it will be with Magne Olson and those who knew him. Magne left us earlier this month for a personal Valhalla he shares with his Norwegian ancestors. His passing should not be mourned because his life enriched all who knew him.

For 30 years, from 1967 to 1997, Magne enhanced community life in Park Forest in all things he touched: president of the Park Forest Historical Society; board member of the public library; coach for the girls softball team on which his daughter Rachel (now Rachel Gannon) played; and volunteer in various community youth projects.

He was a professor of American history, an avid reader and a man proud of both his Old World heritage and of the pioneering village in which he lived and loved.

“When he was hired by Chicago State University in 1967 and needed to move to be closer to his work, he researched the communities in the area and chose Park Forest,” said his daughter. “He made a conscious choice because he thought it was a wonderful place to live.”

Upon joining the 20-year-old village, Magne and his wife, Judy, and children Rachel and Kristofer, quickly embraced the tightly woven fabric of community life.

If there was an opening where someone could contribute to the community, Magne would be the one to fill it. He was a member of the village’s Bicentennial Commission from 1974 to 1977, during which its efforts, including the construction of Freedom Hall, helped the village gain an All-America City award.

Another time, some 20 years after William S. Whyte’s book “The Organization Man” detailed the workday lives of residents of the young village, Olson helped bring its author back for a 20th anniversary speech.

In 1985, he joined the historical society and two years later started a 14-year run as its president. It was during his term that the society began its annual induction ceremony for the Park Forest Hall of Fame. He also found time to be an adviser to the South Suburban Heritage Association from 1989 to 1994, and was on the library board for eight years.

Village life was part of his lifestyle as was his unfailing wit.

“He kept a list of clever remarks in his pocket and he often would say something like ‘I’ll be out of town’ when asked to do something,” his daughter said. “He said that works in many situations.”

Born and raised in Minneapolis, Magne graduated Augsburg College with a degree in history and later received both his master’s degree and his doctorate in American history from the University of Minnesota. While working as a car parker, he would often go to a nearby restaurant where Judith Shaw was a server. Although she later admitted the young man she served did not seem to spend much money, they fell in love and were married in 1961.

Through his busy, fruitful life, Magne displayed a warm, charming wit

“He would always see the lighter side of the world,’ said his daughter. “He always was finding good in people while he was his own worst critic.”

The best teachers never stop.

“Magne was my mentor and friend,” says Jane Nicoll, the longtime archivist for the historical society. “He taught me grace, public speaking and more. He was a charming, erudite and a consummate master of ceremonies. The present day historical society still carries the mark of his wise leadership.”

The last years was not kind to this gentle man. His wit and humor stayed strong despite a fading memory.

The end came Saturday, Nov. 13, but there will be a final service at Faith Lutheran Church, 41 N. Park Blvd., in Glen Ellyn. Finals details will be forthcoming.

One year, during a hall of fame ceremony in which I was the emcee, I reminded the audience that I succeeded him as president of the organization. I said that when I had to decide an issue I always used a WWMD — What Would Magne Do. I hope that still serves me well.

This Thanksgiving, as our family declares what we must be thankful for these tumultuous days, I will think of Magne Olson.

It will be enough.