David Nels Olson 1947-2022

It was with sadness we learned of the death of Dave Olson in February.
David (or ‘Hank’ as he was often known) was an outstanding and charismatic pupil. He was late arriving at AGSB (having previously lived in the USA) but was quick to involve himself in the school.
Dave was the Secretary to the Debating Society and with his easy delivery but knowledgeable manner won the day in many a debate. He was a School Prefect.
Dave proposed the toast to The School at the 1967 Annual Reunion Dinner.
His outside interests included attendance at the local Humanist Group as one of its youngest members and he also had an interest in Amnesty International.
Dave duly entered the 6th Form studying Arts, but on leaving AGSB he decided that he would like to study Dentistry, but entry to Dental School required Science subjects so Dave spent a year at a Manchester College of Further Education to get the requisite A-levels.
After qualifying BDS at Newcastle University, Dave enrolled at the Westminster School of Medicine at the University of London in 1979, funding his studies by working in a Dental Practice.
He qualified with MB; BS degrees and took up positions at St.Mary’s and St. Stephen’s Hospitals London before returning to the the USA in 1981.
Dave went on to specialise in Emergency/ Acute Medicine with licences to practice in several US states.
Dave was required to serve time in the US army as a surgeon and in 1991 he was present at an American airbase during the Gulf War when Saddam Hussein fired two scud missiles which wounded or killed many US soldiers.
He retired in 2019.
Dave will be remembered for his mighty intellect, his friendly charismatic persona and he was always such pleasant company.
He is survived by his wife, Cheryl and their two children, Rachel and Alan to whom we send our heartfelt sympathy and condolences.
L.A.B.