In Memory Of
Monte Reed Olsen
1956
2014
Monte Reed Olsen
August 6, 1956 — April 8, 2014
Monte Olsen, 57, former Wyoming State Representative, professional skier and longtime resident of Daniel, Wyoming, passed away April 8, 2014 in Jackson, Wyoming
Monte, a native of Wyoming was born and raised in Cheyenne. He had a true passion and drive for politics, skiing and golf. His interest in politics started in high school. He was a hardline Republican and part of the GOP; even though to some he was considered to be a Libertarian. His obsession for skiing began in the Snowy Range outside Laramie while in High School. During his college years he drove a cement truck in the summer to finance his skiing during the winter.
His obsession for skiing eventually would turn into a successful professional ski career.
His desire to go into politics became a reality when he became Secretary/Chair/Vice-Chair of the Albany County Tourism Board, from 1989-1992. He also served as a board member in the Wyoming Travel Industry Coalition and for the Laramie Area Chamber of Commerce. Monte first ran for State Representative in 1991 while he was still attending the University of Wyoming.
After an unsuccessful first campaign for State Representative, he moved to Oregon where he was able to continue pursuing his skiing career at Mt. Hood Meadows. After making many friends and connections in Oregon, Monte returned to Wyoming. He again ran for State Representative in 2000 against long standing state Rep. Louis Tomassi in District 20. Unfortunately he lost but Monte was persistent, and was determined to win so he ran again in 2003 for District 22 against Jim "Bubba" Shivler. Monte’s determination and persistence paid off when he became the newly elected State Representative for District 22. Monte would continue to hold his state seat unopposed until an unfortunate accident in 2007 cut his political career short. He completed his final term in 2008 and did not run for re-election.
Monte was an avid skier with over 25 years of professional skiing experience. He was a self-proclaimed ski bum, but was a seasoned ski instructor and became a member of the Professional Ski Instructors of America in 1976. His passion shined as a private ski instructor and he felt it an honor to give instruction and ski with individuals like the former President of the World Bank, Mr. Wolfensohn and other prominent public figures. He also had a passion for golf and took great pride at having the opportunity to win against a democratic president on the courses in Jackson Wyoming.
As a legislator he never backed down from controversial issues such as bills that would allow corporal punishment in school. He strongly advocated for veterans, ranchers and farmers rights. And he was determined to find a solution to the wolf and grizzly problem in Wyoming. Monte’s political drive was reflected in what he accomplished while in office, and his impact was tremendous.
Monte enjoyed socializing with family, friends, colleagues and didn’t know a stranger. He enjoyed the times he could relax at the end of the day in good company sharing a meal and a few drinks. We understand from some of his colleagues that they even named a favorite cocktail after him.
He was hardheaded, stubborn, a Republican, a ski-bum, a golfer, and a politician. But as his family and friends know above all he loved the game of golf, and if he could have chosen only one it would have been a golfer.
Monte graduated from Cheyenne Central High School and attended Northwest College, and the University of Wyoming.
He is survived in death by his 2 sons, Reed Olsen and Dane Olsen; Reed’s Wife Stephanie; 3 brothers, Tim Olsen, Justin Olsen, and Shawn Olsen; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; and a multitude of friends. Preceded in death by his parents Robert and Charmaine Olsen.
Memorial donations can be made to the Monte Olsen Benefit Fund through the Spokane Teachers Credit Union by using this Member # 315221. You can go to any credit union that is available in your area to make the donation. And you do not have to be a credit union member to contribute.
Service will be held at 1st Congregational Church, 3501 Forest Dr, Cheyenne, WY 82001, on Saturday at 1 p.m.
Monte, a native of Wyoming was born and raised in Cheyenne. He had a true passion and drive for politics, skiing and golf. His interest in politics started in high school. He was a hardline Republican and part of the GOP; even though to some he was considered to be a Libertarian. His obsession for skiing began in the Snowy Range outside Laramie while in High School. During his college years he drove a cement truck in the summer to finance his skiing during the winter.
His obsession for skiing eventually would turn into a successful professional ski career.
His desire to go into politics became a reality when he became Secretary/Chair/Vice-Chair of the Albany County Tourism Board, from 1989-1992. He also served as a board member in the Wyoming Travel Industry Coalition and for the Laramie Area Chamber of Commerce. Monte first ran for State Representative in 1991 while he was still attending the University of Wyoming.
After an unsuccessful first campaign for State Representative, he moved to Oregon where he was able to continue pursuing his skiing career at Mt. Hood Meadows. After making many friends and connections in Oregon, Monte returned to Wyoming. He again ran for State Representative in 2000 against long standing state Rep. Louis Tomassi in District 20. Unfortunately he lost but Monte was persistent, and was determined to win so he ran again in 2003 for District 22 against Jim "Bubba" Shivler. Monte’s determination and persistence paid off when he became the newly elected State Representative for District 22. Monte would continue to hold his state seat unopposed until an unfortunate accident in 2007 cut his political career short. He completed his final term in 2008 and did not run for re-election.
Monte was an avid skier with over 25 years of professional skiing experience. He was a self-proclaimed ski bum, but was a seasoned ski instructor and became a member of the Professional Ski Instructors of America in 1976. His passion shined as a private ski instructor and he felt it an honor to give instruction and ski with individuals like the former President of the World Bank, Mr. Wolfensohn and other prominent public figures. He also had a passion for golf and took great pride at having the opportunity to win against a democratic president on the courses in Jackson Wyoming.
As a legislator he never backed down from controversial issues such as bills that would allow corporal punishment in school. He strongly advocated for veterans, ranchers and farmers rights. And he was determined to find a solution to the wolf and grizzly problem in Wyoming. Monte’s political drive was reflected in what he accomplished while in office, and his impact was tremendous.
Monte enjoyed socializing with family, friends, colleagues and didn’t know a stranger. He enjoyed the times he could relax at the end of the day in good company sharing a meal and a few drinks. We understand from some of his colleagues that they even named a favorite cocktail after him.
He was hardheaded, stubborn, a Republican, a ski-bum, a golfer, and a politician. But as his family and friends know above all he loved the game of golf, and if he could have chosen only one it would have been a golfer.
Monte graduated from Cheyenne Central High School and attended Northwest College, and the University of Wyoming.
He is survived in death by his 2 sons, Reed Olsen and Dane Olsen; Reed’s Wife Stephanie; 3 brothers, Tim Olsen, Justin Olsen, and Shawn Olsen; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; and a multitude of friends. Preceded in death by his parents Robert and Charmaine Olsen.
Memorial donations can be made to the Monte Olsen Benefit Fund through the Spokane Teachers Credit Union by using this Member # 315221. You can go to any credit union that is available in your area to make the donation. And you do not have to be a credit union member to contribute.
Service will be held at 1st Congregational Church, 3501 Forest Dr, Cheyenne, WY 82001, on Saturday at 1 p.m.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Monte Reed Olsen, please visit our flower store.
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