Larry Olson

Larry Alvin Olson passed away peacefully at his home in Billings, MT, on August 5th, 2026 at the age of 80.

Larry was a constant lifelong source of love, humor, and encouragement for his family and friends. If there is one single thing Larry will be remembered for, it will be his tremendous sense of humor. We are not sure you can find a family member or friend that doesn’t have a funny story about being with him. This sense of humor became a huge part of our lives and made family functions enjoyable and welcoming. This humor was gift pop passed down to his children and grandchildren.

Larry’s whole life was framed around taking care of his family and being a role model for his three children, as well as his grandchildren. As a young man he was very focused on his work, but always made it a priority to spend time loving his family.

Larry was born in Chinook, Montana, in 1945. He was the youngest of six children born to Harold Otto Olson and Justine (Latray) Olson. He graduated from Butte High School in 1963. Shortly after high school, he met the love of his life Barbara Lee Guay, on a blind date, which resulted in a 62 year marriage.  Barbara and Larry welcomed Scott and Darryl into this world early in their marriage.

After high school he enlisted in the US Navy and was deployed to the Vietnam Conflict. He served as a Radio Technician on the USS Firedrake. During his service, he was exposed to Agent Orange which resulted in him being 100% disabled later in life and contributed to his passing. Larry was extremely proud of his service and sacrifice for our country

After his exit from the Navy, he began his education at Montana Technical School of Mines where he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1975. This was quite a feat and took extreme dedication on his part being that he had a young wife and two sons to support.  Larry worked full time providing for his family while completing his degree. He started his career at the Anaconda Company in Butte as the Electrical Superintendent for the Butte Berkley Pitt concentrator.  After college the family relocated to Billings where they welcomed their daughter, Jennifer.

After the move to Billings, he worked to establish a successful architectural engineering firm, focusing on educational, medical institutions across the northern Rockies. One project he was always proud of was his work on the design team for the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian on the National Mall in Washington DC and the Archive Center in New York City. 

As an enrolled tribal member of the Little Shell Tribe of Montana, he was active in many Native American business organizations across the country and won multiple SBA awards during his career. He was a mentor for many young native professionals and served multiple terms as the president of the Montana Tribal Leaders Council. Larry also spent multiple terms as a tribal council member for his tribe and provided his business expertise in developing tribal programs.

Outside of work Larry was a passionate hunter and angler, activities he cherished doing with his sons. His true passion through life was spending time at hunting camp with them and close friends. Those trips became an important formative part of Darryl and Scott’s lives, and they will continue these traditions for a lifetime. He loved those memories so much that spent his last overnight trip up at elk camp last month and a portion of his ashes will be spread there, along with his other hunting buddies. 

Larry also had a special relationship with Jennifer.  He spent much of his time with her, passing along his passion for sciences as well as his strong work ethic, leadership skills, and talent for organizing.

Traveling was another passion of Larry’s. During his career, he traveled extensively through the US. He and Barbara took many trips for pleasure including cruises, fishing in Alaska and numerous road trips.  He  loved traveling with Barbara while she flourished in her quilting and teaching career. Those trips included Australia, New Zealand, Mexico City, Canada, and Curaçao. Many times, dad would document their travels by writing and telling stories as only he could.

He also spent as much time as he could supporting his grandkids’ lives. Whether it be attending his grandsons’ sporting events and school activities, or just sitting with him, passing on his unique wisdom of life. He made it a point to be at his granddaughter’s volleyball games across Montana and beyond. His support helped propel her to a national title in club Volleyball during high school and national title tournament appearance in college. He truly loved his puppy, Ebby. She misses him and their daily routines including him giving her snicker-snacks every night and their potty adventures.

Wow is all we can say. We were all so lucky to be blessed to have spent our lives with him. He was a hard working, strong willed, intelligent, thoughtful, kind, gentle, and funny man. We will miss our pop dearly.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents Harolod and Justine; his brothers, Harold, Leonard, Howard and sisters Arlen and Phyllis.  He is also preceded in death by his 3 labs, Chili Dog, Buddy and Willow.

Larry is survived by his loving wife Barabara, children, Scott (Tammy), Darryl (Jeff), and Jennifer; his grandchildren, Jordan and Ryder as well as multiple step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

Larry’s veteran internment at the Yellowstone National Cemetery in Laurel, Montana, will take place, Friday, August 14th at 11:00am.  A celebration of life will follow at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center at 12:00pm. This will be a time to gather and share your stories about your time with Larry as we want everyone to share in the laughter and tears for such a special man.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans at https://www.dav.org/.