- Date Of Birth: February 26, 1984
- Date Of Death: May 17, 2021
- State: Idaho
Ryan Olson (37) never met a mountain he wouldn’t climb, or a person he wouldn’t wrap in one of his trademark hugs every time he’d say hello and every time he’d say goodbye. His last hug was given to his wife on May 17th, 2021– hours before he died instantly in a tragic car accident.
Ryan was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho, the son of Caralyn and Rick Olson. As their first born, he was in a hurry from the start– always on a motorbike, snow machine, or pulling his three siblings in on yet another wild adventure. Ryan adored his family and enjoyed being in business with them for many years.
A born leader, Ryan could light a room on fire with his motivational messages. He was a mentor to so many, always believing in people more than they believed in themselves. This served Ryan well as an entrepreneur and leader. As the Vice President of Sales for Caliber Smart, he transformed the cell phone industry and built the first and largest face-to-face marketing arm in wireless history.
The competitive edge Ryan held pushed him to the top of anything he tried including basketball, baseball, and any family games. This led to more than a few family feuds that always ended in a “double or nothing” or a signature Ryan hug.
Ryan’s love for the outdoors started young at his grandpa Max’s side, and finished strong, with his last day spent fishing with his little boy and dad. His adventures led him to film hunting shows all over the globe, from Antarctica to Alaska, anything to be in the mountains.
Five years ago, Ryan met Kim Hammond Olson and her son Peyton. According to the dozens of voice mails he left her, she was his “dream girl” and he was “living [his] dream life.” Together, Ryan and Kim shared a love on fire for not nearly enough years. They built a life full of kids, farm animals, and never-ending adventures in Rigby, Idaho.
Ryan had two beautiful children with Marcye Hunter (Gifford). He was always cuddling his little princess Kenzley (8) and dreaming of being in the mountains with his boys Rycker (10) and step-son Peyton (12).
Ryan wore his heart on his sleeve for all of us to feel each and every day. We were all blessed with his fun-loving, energetic, infectious positivity. We cannot wait for the day to be wrapped up in his hugs once again. Until then, we will look for him in the mountains.
He is survived by his loving wife, Kimberlee Olson of Rigby, ID; children, Rycker Max Olson, Kenzley Jo Olson, and Peyton Ferney, all of Rigby, ID; parents, Rick and Caralyn Olson of Ammon, ID; sister, Brandi (Darren) Cook of Idaho Falls; brother, Kade (McKenna) Olson of Idaho Falls; sister, Kylee (Mauricio) Ramos of Idaho Falls; grandmother, Colleen McGary of Ucon, ID; and grandfather, Charles Max Olson of Idaho Falls. Honorary siblings Andy and Stevie Hill, Ali and Devin Breeze.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Bobbie Jeneane Olson; and grandfather, Kenneth J. McGary.
