Brent Kristian Olsson

Brent Kristian Olsson, a beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away in Fort Collins, Colorado in the early morning hours of Friday, October 28, 2022. He was seventy. Brent was born to Lois (Synder) and Loren Olsson in Scottsbluff, Nebraska on June 14, 1952, and had a sister, Averill Hauben (Olsson). He is survived by his loving spouse, Joanne Douglas Olsson; his elder son, Justin Douglas Olsson, and Justin's wife, Elizabeth Carroll Olsson, and their two children, Kelly Francis Olsson and Asher Julian Olsson (El Cerrito, CA); and his younger son, Schuyler Moment Olsson, and Schuyler's wife, Yuki Ueda (Sausalito, CA).

Brent graduated from Carleton College in 1974 and attended NYU School of Law as a Root Tilden Kern Scholar, graduating with his law degree in 1977. He practiced for six years as an attorney at Legal Aid in New York City before becoming a senior associate at Milbank, Tweed, Hadley and McCoy where he worked until 1991. Brent moved with his family to Fort Collins, Colorado in 1991 and hung his own shingle at Brent K. Olsson Law Firm, P.C., where he practiced for over thirty years.

Brent was a brilliant, deeply kind-hearted, and selfless man. At once powerful and gentle, he could command a courtroom and convince anyone of the righteousness of his positions and then quietly diminish his imposing six foot, four inch frame, listening intently and making anyone feel safe. Those who knew him in opposition in the courtroom described him as very respectful and courteous. To his family, he was a slightly goofy, intensely thoughtful and caring man with an abounding love of the great outdoors and animals, big and small. Perhaps owing partly to his days as an Eagle Scout, he was the person you'd want in any emergency, and could build, fix or repair anything.

In lieu of flowers or other gifts, his family requests that donations be made in his name to the Sierra Club Foundation by visiting bit.ly/sierraclub-bko-memorial.

Brent's life will be celebrated soon at a date and place to be decided. If you would like to attend, please leave his family your information here so you can be notified.