Gary Scott Olson

September 18, 1928 - May 11, 2021

SAN MARCOS — A long time Vista resident, community leader, educator, and avid pilot, Dr. Gary Scott Olson passed away at home on May 11, 2021.

Dr. Olson was born in Minnesota on September 18, 1928. He graduated from Bemidji State University in Minnesota, and later on he became the Senior High School Principal and Superintendent of Schools at Barrett Public Schools and Blackduck Public Schools. Dr Olson was a veteran who served in the U.S. Army as an instructor at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

Dr Olson moved with his family to Vista, CA., in 1964. He contributed immensely to the community as a teacher and Principal at Vista High School, and later as Director of Personnel, Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent of Vista Unified School District. He also served on the Board of Directors for Boys and Girls Club, North County United Way, and Vista Chambers of Commerce.

Later on, Dr Olson worked as Director of Graduate Education at Point Loma Nazarene University and Executive Director for the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), Region 18. He also served as State’s President of ACSA. Throughout his leadership roles, Dr Gary Olson always led with heart and passion for education and his community.

Gary loved traveling with his wife, Carol Souviney Olson (decd. in 2018). They were both incredibly generous with their time, energy, and experience. He loved music, sports, reading and flying his Cessna 180, but most of all he loved his family. Gary will be dearly missed by his children, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, and all the people who respected and loved him.

The family is honoring Gary’s request that no memorial service be done. If friends or family wish to honor him, please make a donation in Gary’s name to: The Kelly Olson Scholarship, Vista High School, 1 Panther Way, Vista, CA 92084 (760-726-5611).