The Honorable Thomas Andrew Olson

The Honorable Thomas Andrew Olson passed away on Feb. 12, 2017, in Bozeman, Mont., from Parkinson's Disease.Thomas was born May 30, 1938, in Glendive, Mont.He graduated from Dawson County High School, in 1956. After high school, he attended Montana State College in Bozeman, Mont. During college, he was Counsel for Beta Rho Sigma Chi, Representative for the National Convention, and Editor of the Exponent Newspaper. While enrolled at Montana State College, he met Ann Lenore Schuler. Tom and Ann were married on Dec. 28, 1960, at Saint Mary's Episcopal Church Malta, Mont.Tom and Ann moved to Missoula, Mont., where Tom attended Law School at the University of Montana, on a full scholarship. Upon graduation, he served as a clerk, for Justice James T. Harrison and the Montana State Supreme Court. In the fall of 1961, Tom joined the United States Marine Corps and moved to Quantico, Va., for Basic Training and Officer Candidate School. Their first child, Heidi Ann, was born at the Naval Hospital, in Quantico, Va. Tom was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, and was assigned to El Toro Naval Air Station, in Orange County, Calif. He served as a Judge Advocate General during the Vietnam War. After Tom's U.S.M.C. career, the family moved back to Montana and settled in Bozeman. Their second child, Andrew Thomas, was adopted from Helena, Mont.While in Bozeman, Tom became Gallatin County's first Public Defender, and was elected, as Gallatin County Attorney. In 1975, he was appointed by President Gerald R. Ford, as United States Attorney for the District of Montana, and the family moved to Billings. During this time, their third child, Kim John, was adopted from Seoul, South Korea. When the family returned to Bozeman, Tom worked for the Law Firm of Morrow and Sedivy. Tom became District Judge for the 18th Judicial District Court, where he served for 18 years. During his service, he wrote a manual for abused children, and he created the first Montana Drug Court. After three impactful terms, he retired. Tom and Ann enjoyed many years of retirement together. Tom had a passion for the game of golf and spent many hours "perfecting his swing". His favorite, and only grandchild, Lindy Ann Henry, could be found on the golf course with him often. Tom golfed with 35 men in a group, they called the Bandits, at five different golf courses in Sun City. He loved the LA Rams and the Cleveland Indians. Tom and Ann were members of All Saints of the Desert Episcopal Parish, and he often drove the golf cart taking people from the parking lot to the church. As a member of Saint James Episcopal Church, Tom was a lay reader, a member of the Vestry, and a delegate to the National Convention.Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Harris and Georgia B. Olson; his brother, Stanford (Stan) Olson; and his wife, Ann Lenore (Schuler) Olson.He is survived by his son, Kim John, of Bozeman, his son, Andrew Thomas (Marianne), of Greenville, S.C.; his daughter, Heidi Ann (Olson) Henry, of Bozeman; his granddaughter, Lindy Ann Henry, of St. Louis, Mo.; niece, Carol (Olson) Hathaway, of Bettendorf, Iowa.In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Tom's name, to, k Guardian Ad Litem and CASA, of Gallatin County, 615 S 16th, Suite 313, Bozeman, MT 59718, or the charity of your choice.Services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017, at Saint James Episcopal Church, located at, 5 W. Olive, in Bozeman. Graveside services with military honors will follow at Sunset Hills Cemetery.Arrangements are in the care of, Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service. www.dokkennelson.com