John Clarke Olson passed away Sept 25th at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester VT John was born March 6, 1942 in Hartford CT to Harold and Betty Olson.  He graduated from Berlin High School and shortly after joined the Army, serving 3 years.

Following his stint in the Army, he moved to Burlington, VT where he met the love of his life, Helen. They married October 10, 1970, eventually moving to Colchester VT where they raised their 2 children Christopher and Cathleen.

John worked for Pizzagalli Construction for 35 years, but his true passion was painting.

Quickly becoming an accomplished oil painter, he found inspiration in Vermont’s landscapes and set out to paint at least one scene from each of the state’s 251 towns. In 2015, he completed his mission, leaving behind a beautiful collection celebrating the Vermont he loved.

John’s paintings hang in several galleries throughout Vermont and in private collections both locally and internationally.

Upon retirement John began painting Maine landscapes as well, highlighting the light houses and blueberry fields he so enjoyed when he vacationed there with Helen.  John and Helen shared a love for travel, whether it was visiting their children in the South or the West or exploring throughout New England for artistic inspiration.

John is survived by his beloved wife Helen; his son, Christopher (Shelley) Olson; his daughter, Cathleen (Jay) Conroy and his 5 grandchildren, Erin, Ryan and Evan Olson and Carter and Sydney Conroy.  

He is also survived by his sister, Judith (Alan) Hall, and their family; as well as his brothers-and sisters-in-law and the Routhier family, including Pauline, Raymond, Roger, Mike, and Denise (Ledoux).

John had a special place in his heart for children’s causes, including Camp Ta-Kum-Ta in South Hero, the Big Change Roundup for Kids benefiting UVM Children’s Hospital, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to these organizations in his memory.