Photographer Tor Olson of McCook remembered

    Tor Jon Olson, 61, of McCook passed away with family by his side at his home in McCook on May 16, 2021 after a short battle with brain cancer.
    His widow, Holly, said they have fond memories of Imperial, where they opened Olson’s Photography in 1986.
    She said Tor was diagnosed with glioblastoma in September 2020 over Labor Day weekend. Initially thinking he suffered a stroke, a CAT scan found the brain mass, she said.
    While in Imperial, Tor and Holly were active in the community. He served as president of the Imperial Chamber of Commerce, and also served as a member of the Imperial Volunteer Fire Department.
    The Olsons were members of the First United Methodist Church in Imperial.
    The family relocated its photography business to McCook in 1991. In December 2012, Tor and Holly moved to a parttime operation of the studio. In all, they operated the photography business for 35 years.
    Tor was a past president of the Professional Photographers of Nebraska and was honored with the Professional Photographers of America, Inc. National Award in 2012 for outstanding service to professional photography.
    He was a member of the United Memorial Methodist Church and of the McCook Evangelical Free Church, and was a 25-year member of McCook Rotary.
    He was instrumental in establishing the McCook Community Trail System, Kelley Creek Disc Golf Course and the Plaza Park Area in downtown McCook. He was also an avid enthusiast of the arts, and was involved with Live at the Bieroc and Buffalo Commons Storytelling and Music Festival. Tor enjoyed mountain biking, camping, hiking, water skiing, gardening, live music, and of course photography and craft beer.
    He is survived by widow, Holly of McCook; daughters, Chantel (Justin) Ele and children Porter and Piper of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Cassie (Julian) Yoder of Littleton, Colorado; mother, Rosanne Olson of McCook; brother, Erik (Laura) Olson of McCook; and many lifelong friends and family.
    A Celebration of Life memorial service was held May 24 at the United Memorial Methodist Church in McCook.
    Carpenter-Breland Funeral Home in McCook was in charge of arrangements.
    Cards can reach Holly Olson at 1101 Norris Avenue, McCook 69001.