July 11, 1932 – February 7, 2017
On the morning of February 7, one of our faithful “Servants of Christ,” Major Charles F. Olsen, was Promoted to Glory.
Major Charles Olsen is truly one of the legends in the history of the NYSB. His time with the band began in the early 1950’s and was only interrupted for two years of military service and the times where his officership took him to other locations. Even after he stopped playing in the band, he was still a valuable member as its development consultant and photographer.
In all, Major Olsen served the New York Staff Band for over 52 years, and served it well.
Charlie’s life really tells the story of what Salvation Army music is all about. As a teenager, he lost his parents and was sent to live in an orphanage in Brooklyn, NY. During his time in the orphanage, Joseph Toft, a Salvationist and member of the New York Staff Band, volunteered to come to the orphanage to give music lessons. Because of this relationship, Charlie went to music camp at Star Lake and then started attending the Brooklyn Citadel Corps where he would become a soldier and play in the corps band and as they say, the rest is history. When we think of why we do what we do, Charlie Olsen’s story is a great reminder of the impact that each of us can make through the gift of music.
“Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, Praise the name of the LORD.” Psalm 113:1
Please continue to pray God’s comfort upon his beloved family; wife, Major Berniece (Bunny) Olsen; son, Charles F. Olsen, Jr. of Monroe, NY; daughter, Carol (William) Foster of Murrells Inlet, SC; granddaughters, Alyssa Ann and Kaytlin Joy Foster, also of Murrells Inlet, SC and Brother Carl Olsen of Boca Raton, FL.
Messages of Condolence for the family may be sent to:
Major Berniece (Bunny) Olsen, In care of Carol Foster 126 Willow Bay Dr., Murrells Inlet, SC 29576.
Charles F. Olsen, Jr., 327 Oakland Ave., Monroe, NY 10950.
Carol Foster, 126 Willow Bay Dr., Murrells Inlet, SC 29576.
Carl Olsen, 5961 NW 2nd Ave, Penthouse G, Boca Raton, FL 33487
In Lieu of Flowers, donations may be made to The New York Staff Band, 440 West Nyack Road, West Nyack, NY 10994.
