Evan Lennard Olson: Scotia Postmaster

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Evan Lennard Olson

Evan Lennard Olson, a resident of Fortuna, crossed over the rainbow on March 5th, 2026, after a three-year fight against cancer. He was surrounded by his loved ones. The son of Howard E. and Evelyn E. (Brisbin) Olson, he came to bless our world on July 9, 1953, at the small hospital in Garberville, California.

Evan grew up in Garberville and graduated from South Fork High School. He married Wendie Johnson, and they started a family, adding their son, Brian, to the story of Evan’s life. A few years after Wendie’s early tragic death, Evan married Keven Carney and they added a daughter, Kortney, to the family.

Early in his adult life Evan started working at the post office in Redway, which turned into his lifelong career. Over the years he was a cheerful presence at a variety of post office locations, retiring as Postmaster from the Scotia office in 2008. The postal service also brought him the love of his life, Barbara, who remained by his side to the end of his life.

Evan was a jovial, social person who loved listening to music and spending time with friends and family. After retirement, Evan and Barb enjoyed a variety of activities together, including travel, with Maui, Hawaii, a place they returned to several times. He enjoyed playing golf with his brother and friends. For the last 10 years he enjoyed a weekly visit at the Eel River Brewery’s Peanut on the Floor Night with his son and friends.

Evan is survived by his wife of 34 years, Barbara Olson, Brian Olson and partner Liz Hilderbrand, Kortney Olson and husband David May, Stephen and Danielle Quenell, Bryan and Sara Quenell, Elizabeth Quenell; grandchildren Karlie (Olson) Kowalska and husband Filip, Connor Olson of Arcata, Kody and Kayden Quenell, Autumn Atkins; and 3 great-grandchildren, Niko Kowalski, Ayla and Shae Kowalska; sister Annamarie Olson Ahmed, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Karl Olson, sister Kerstina (Olson) Clark, and brother Eric Olson.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.