David Olson, 65, Businessman, Emu Rancher

David Olson, a real-estate broker, investment banker and developer who retired early to run his "Chicks R Us" emu ranch in Bothell, was all business at numbers, but a soft touch with people.

He put together a major housing development at Snoqualmie Pass. He bought and sold land practically in bulk. And as a lender, he tried to find ways, even if costly, to help young couples or unproven businesspeople make their home and business dreams come true.

Yet he was calm, funny and reliable.

"He hummed or whistled when things went well, and just worked away and refused to raise his voice or get rattled," said his daughter, Cindi Morrison of Everett. "He got a lot done but was not Type A at all."

Mr. Olson died Sunday (June 27) of lung cancer. He was 65.

Born in Valley City, N.D., Mr. Olson moved to Seattle with his family in 1945.

At age 19, he became one of the youngest real-estate brokers in the state, joining with his brothers in the real-estate and mortgage-banking firm established by and named after their father, Harry H. Olson.

"He did a lot in real estate with the firm our dad founded in 1949," said his brother, Duane Olson of Bellevue. "He had a good business head and a wry sense of humor."

At age 21, Mr. Olson became vice president of the company. Several years later he became president.

He kept friends from his youth for life, and always welcomed new business and hobby pals into the fold.

He also cared about young people, notably those with limited means. For 20 years he volunteered with the Downtown Seattle YMCA and served as board chairman. He also was a past president of the Seattle-King County Board of Realtors.

"I think people mattered to him more than money," said his son-in-law, Jay Morrison. "That's fairly unusual in the business world. He was just a real nice guy. Everybody's friend."

Retiring at age 54, Mr. Olson then raised rare chickens and emus, a relative of the ostrich. He and his wife, Linda Olson, who survives, also raised alpaca, African cranes, miniature donkeys and deer on their 18-acre Bothell estate.

"It was not a money-earner," Cindi Morrison said. "But he enjoyed working on the ranch with the animals. It was a good life."

He had been a district director of the Washington State Emu Association, and a past president of Washington State Feather Fanciers.

Also surviving are his children Darci Long, Mill Creek, and Eric Jackson, Seattle; a brother, Dan Olson of Seattle; and four grandchildren.

A service has been held. Donations may be made to the YMCA of Greater Seattle, 909 Fourth Ave., Seattle, WA 98104.

Carole Beers' e-mail address is: cbeers@seattletimes.com