David John Olson, born May 18, 1941 in Brantford, North Dakota, passed away Sept. 15, 2012, on Orcas Island. He and his wife owned a cabin in Deer Harbor where they were part-time residents. He is survived by his wife, Sandra, his daughter and son-in-law, Maia and Cole Peterson, and grandchild Stella. Olson was for 31 years an esteemed political science professor at the University of Washington, holding many honors and awards over his career. He was known for his scholarship on state, local and labor politics and governance of ports, his lifelong commitment to civic education, his influence on students’ future careers, and his extensive consulting for ports, the state, and many local governments.

A private funeral will be held in Seattle in the coming weeks. A celebration of life will be announced and held later this fall at the University of Washington.

In lieu of flowers or other gifts, donations can be made in his name to either the David J Olson Endowed Fund c/o University of Washington Foundation, or the San Juan Preservation Trust.