Jon H. Olson ’55

Jon died Oct. 26, 2014, in his cottage at Jenner’s Pond in West Grove, Pa., from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and biliary adenocarcinoma.

The son of Irene and Andrew Olson, Jon prepared at the Lawrenceville School, majored in chemical engineering, and wrote his thesis on the statistical determination of the equilibrium diagrams for tertiary mixtures. He joined Quadrangle Club and roomed with Denis Burns, John Hamilton, Ted Mack, James Park, and Alan Willemsen.

After receiving a doctorate in engineering from Yale, Jon spent three years with the DuPont Co., then 40 years in the chemical-engineering department at the University of Delaware, where he distinguished himself in many areas. Jon was honored with a named brick in a University of Delaware sidewalk and with a faculty senate prize in his name for service to the university.

Jon and his first wife, Jean Clift Olson, had three children — Eric ’80, Kirsten, and Greta — all of whom earned doctorates. His second wife, Nancy Haldeman Olson, taught him to enjoy the company of many other people during their 34 years together.

He is survived by Nancy; his children; nine grandchildren, including Lyra ’16; and two step-grandchildren. We who were lucky enough to know him will miss his high intellect and his dry wit.