Died peacefully on Aug. 1 at N C Little Memorial Hospice. Gary retired after 32 years as a sports reporter with the St. Paul Pioneer Press. He was born and raised in Albert Lea, where he began his reporting career at the Albert Lea Tribune. He placed third prize in the national Associated Press sports reporting competition with his copyrighted story on former North Star Bill Goldsworthy’s battle with AIDS. Gary often commented that his career in reporting allowed him to indulge his sports passion with his dining passion as he traveled around North America.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lester and Roberta Olson, and his son Justin. He is survived by Deborah Olson, daughter Michelle Olson, Kimberly Brackett, and his godsons Jason Olson and Sean Rosza.

A Celebration of Gary’s Life will take place on Monday, August 4 at 11 a.m. at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 7110 France Ave. So. Edina, Minn.

In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to Make-A-Wish Minnesota.