Maurice W. “Mo” Olson passed away peacefully Saturday, May 27, 2017, with his wife Virginia (“Geni”), children, grandchildren and loved ones at his side.

Mo was born in Minot, North Dakota on Dec. 22, 1931, to Walter and Ellen Olson.

He grew up with his three older siblings – John, Inez and Jimmy – on the family farm. In his teens he moved with his parents to Palo Alto, to be near oldest brother, John, who was studying at Stanford University.

While living in Palo Alto he met Donna O’Neal. They were married April 1, 1949

Shortly after their marriage, Mo was drafted into the U.S. Army. Following boot camp, he served with the Army Corps of Engineers in Korea. During his time there, he was awarded the Bronze Star.

Mo & Donna had five children — Douglas, Steve, Christine, Bobby & Nancy. Douglas passed away from a rare blood disease when he was only six months old.

In 1958 Mo & Donna moved to Morgan Hill, Calif., and with business partners Tom & Lois Shellworth opened Shellworth-Olson Chevrolet dealership. Mo and Donna made many lifelong friends in Morgan Hill, where they were active members of the community.

In 1977 they moved the family to Arcata, where they purchased P.C. Sacchi Inc. Chevrolet & Buick dealership.

Donna passed away in 1996.

Mo and Virginia “Geni” White were married May 2, 1998.

In 2001, Mo & Geni sold the Chevrolet & Buick franchises to Opie Hendricks. In 2008 they moved to Sun City, Arizona, and in 2015 they moved to Cottonwood, so they could be closer to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mo was a member of Kiwanis International for many years while living in both Morgan Hill and Arcata. He loved duck hunting, salmon fishing on the ocean and hosting BBQ parties for family & friends.

Mo is survived by his wife Virginia “Geni” Olson, brother John Olson, son Steve (Lori) Olson, daughter Christine (Bill) Paulsen, son Bobby Olson (Celene Molina), daughter Nancy (Chris) Spallino, stepdaughter Debi (Jim) Bunting, 14 grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and two more due very soon.

He was preceded in death by his son Douglas, father Walter, wife Donna, brother Jimmy, sister Inez, mother Ellen and many dear friends.

Family & friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at Merryman’s Beach House in Trinidad – Saturday, June 10, 3 p.m.-6 p.m.

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The obituary above was submitted by Mo Olson’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.