William Nelson Olson,93, longtime resident and businessman of Williams and Northern Arizona, passed away at the Olivia White Hospice Home in Flagstaff, Arizona, on February 9, 2007.

He is survived by his wife, RosaLee and two sons, Glenn Olson (Marilyn), and Larry Olson (Sheryl);sister, Virginia Friesner and brother, Earl (Aletha) Olson; grandchildren, Brain (Phillys) Olson, Brad (Sally) Olson, Tammie (Bud) Parenteau, Eric (Tracy) Olson; great-grandchildren, Ian and Jacob Olson, Trevor and Paige Parenteau, and Alex, Kelsey, Lakyn, Kennedy and Zachary Olson.

Nelson, as he was most commonly called, was born in Neosho, Missouri, on May 8, 1913. A legendary outdoorsman in his own time, anyone that knew him, or was fortunate enough to spend two or more minutes with him listening to one or more of his fascinating real-life experiences, knew he loved to live life to its fullest. An accomplished hunter and member of the Arizona Big 10, he loved riding Harleys, boating, flying, four-wheeling and horseback riding. He had an amazing pied-piper-like way with his cats, dogs, horses and mules, and even his peacocks.

A savoy businessman and mechanic, Nelson started the first automobile dealership in Williams and was honored by General Motors with several awards. With the help of his two sons, and an honest, hard work ethic he passed down, several other business were born and continue to flourish today, and will be carried on from generation to generation.

A graveside memorial was held on February 13, 2007 at the Williams Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Olivia White Hospice Home, 752 N. Switzer Canyon Dr., Flagstaff.