Well-known real estate agent
dies in smoke-filled bedroom

Sac Bee Excloo

MARYSVILLE 10/1/02 (YSN) - Well-known Yuba-Sutter real estate agent Harold V. Olson died in a fire at his residence in the 2200 block of Buchanan Street, officials said Monday.

Marysville firefighters responding to an emergency call discovered the 86-year-old Olson in his smoke-filled bedroom shortly after 10 p.m. Sunday, Fire Chief Joe Hernandez said.

The cause of the fire was still under investigation, but it appeared to be "non-suspicious" in origin, Hernandez said.

Olson's home was located in an upscale neighborhood in East Marysville. "Heavy smoke damage -- maybe $50,000 in damage" was done, Hernandez estimated.

Paramedics pronounced Olson dead at the scene. The exact cause of death awaits an autopsy, a spokesman for the Yuba County Sheriff's Department said.

A retired real estate agent who specialized in residential properties, Olson was respected by his colleagues and well liked in the wider community, long-time friend and former business partner William Chandler said.

First licensed in 1962, Olson was a past president of the Sutter-Yuba Association of Realtors. He was named area Realtor of the Year for two consecutive years in the late 1960's, Chandler said.

Olson also enjoyed a reputation as a soft touch. "He was best known for donating to every organization that came along," Chandler said.