Jan Raymond Olsen

Jan Raymond Olsen of Twin Falls, died peacefully on Monday, March 5 surrounded by his family and friends, after a courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Jan was born on December 10th 1950, first son of the late Raymond and Rae Olsen. He attended elementary school and high school in Twin Falls, and started piano lessons at a very young age - instilling in him a great talent for and love of the piano and music. After graduating from Twin Falls High School, he attended The University of Idaho, Moscow where he earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Music: Instrumental Performance and in French. He was a superb student and graduated Suma Cum Laude. Jan's talent and love of music grew with him into adulthood, and he graduated as a gifted pianist and musician. In addition to his music and foreign language studies, Jan was very creative and was involved in student theater productions and in film-making. He was also a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Fraternity. After graduation in 1974, Jan returned to Twin Falls where he worked at Warner Music, ultimately taking ownership and having a career as the owner and proprietor of Jan's Music Outlet. Jan was a huge fan of Jazz music, and would celebrate Oscar Peterson's birthday each year as a young man. Jan also composed music and wrote songs and plays. His first love was music but he also dreamed of composing a symphony, writing a famous play or musical, and making films. He continued his love of music and theater throughout his entire life. He was a member of Magic Valley Symphony and City Band; had roles in Magic Valley Dilettantes' productions; and continued his interest in amateur film-making, often involving family and friends in his "Olsen Underground Productions". Jan was an active and valued member of the Twin Falls community throughout his life. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Kiwanis. The second half of Jan's life was spent sharing his talent and love of music with children and in the church. He taught music at St. Edward's Catholic School for many years, and he was the pianist/organist at St. Edwards the Confessor for over 20 years. He was able to continue playing for mass until very recently. Nothing brought him more joy than teaching piano and voice lessons, accompanying a choir and other musicians, or providing the music for a wedding, funeral, family reunion - or any other gathering where his music would be loved and appreciated. He also formed the Jan R. Olsen Jazz Trio, loved to entertain and would play for anyone who needed music. He played for the LDS church earlier in his life, though ultimately becoming part of his Catholic Family at St. Edwards for many years. Jan is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Harold and Edith Rae Olsen, and infant brother David Allen Olsen. His long-time friend Lisa also preceded him in death. He is survived by his sisters Susan (Terry) Mayer of Boise, Renee Chariton of Boise and Myra (Darrell) Anderson of Frederick, Maryland. Jan is also survived by his nephews and nieces, Shane Chariton (Jason Weekes) of Boise, Sunni Chariton of Seattle, and Celia Kinney of Boise - all children of Renee. Celia's children - Jan's great niece Olivia Grae and great nephew Trey Raymond - also brought Jan so much joy in his last years. The family is very grateful to Jan's friends and caregivers Anita Jones and Manuela Rodriguez. Long-time friend Mayz Leonard lovingly gave the gift of friendship and support to Jan for over 20 years, and was a blessing for Jan and his family in his final days. His music students, Chris Rangen and Daniel Anthony will carry on his legacy of music even after his passing. Finally, the family would like to thank the staff at St. Luke's MSTI Twin Falls, Bridgeview Estates, and Visions Hospice for their care and compassion these past months. Jan's friends and family will miss his fun and eccentric personality - his musical talent and his unique perspective always kept us entertained and smiling. We won't forget Jan, because he was a force of nature that is truly unforgettable. He will be sorely missed, and fondly remembered. Friends may call at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home 2551 Kimberly Rd., Twin Falls on Monday, March 12, 2012 from 5 - 7 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Edward's Catholic Church in Twin Falls, with burial following at the Twin Falls Cemetery. Those who wish may share condolences at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the direction of Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home of Twin Falls.