Tonnes Joseph Olson

On January 5, 2024, the music died! Tragically, Tonnes Olson 44 was taken too soon in a pedestrian car accident in Missoula MT. He was attempting to rescue his dog, Mac, on Brooks Street.

Tonnes was born to Shelley Arends and Scott Olson in Missoula, Montana on July 31, 1979. When Shelley married Steve Samsel in May of 1983, Tonnes was blessed with a loving supportive stepfather. Tonnes was raised in Polson along with his siblings Kristine and Andy. Tonnes enjoyed hanging out at the lake, campfires, and fishing with his family. He was an excellent student, maintaining straight A’s. He was a kind and thoughtful child, acquiring lifelong supportive friendships. Growing up Tonnes was extremely close to his cousins Nissa, Tori, and Kristen who were like siblings. Tonnes maintained a close relationship with his father, Scott Olson, who was a talented, successful, and respected musician, who was well known in the Nashville and Montana’s music industry. Tonnes inherited his love of music and the industry from his father and also became a gifted musician. Tonnes especially loved the drums and over the years had procured a huge drum collection. One would often find Tonnes repairing and fine tuning his drums. A favorite Tonnes quote was “Did you touch my DRUMS?”

Tonnes became the father to three amazing talented children; Cyrus 23 (Nicole Olson), Tyson 18 (Kira Nolan) and Mazie 10 (Mary Koenig). He dearly loved his children and was so proud of their accomplishments. One would often see him cheering for them at sport events and music recitals. Tonnes was in awe of having a daughter to do girlie things with. One of the highlights Tonnes enjoyed sharing with his children was riding the carousel. Tonnes was proud of the fact that his father, Scott, was instrumental of overseeing the construction of its band organ. Tonnes traveled with his father to Ohio where the organ was being constructed. This was a special memory for Tonnes.

Tonnes’s work history includes, Stage manager, Stagehand/technician, Event Staff at The Wilma, Owner/Production, Backline, Tour support at Tatonka Backline Co., Not my monkeys, not my circus at Freelance Stage Manager and Production Manager, Backline Tech/stage Manager at Rocky Mountain Rigging, Journeyman sheet metal worker at Rocky Mechanical, Inc, Journeyman Sheetmetal Worker at Sheetmetal Workers’ Association.

Tatonka Backline became a successful business for Tonnes and Nicole as they worked closely with musicians setting up, maintaining, and troubleshooting equipment used during the performances. They provided backline for Red Ants Pants and Butte Folkfest, and even worked a private concert with Keith Urban in Spokane. While Tonnes was working as a Stagehand/ Stage manager he had the opportunity to work with his favorite band, Clutch. A proud moment for him was when he gave one of his snare drums to their drummer, Jean Paul Gaster. He was stoked when he met the musician, Les Claypool, lead singer and bassists for Primus, who he had a strong admiration for.

Tonnes was a believer in Jesus Christ. He would step in when needed playing the drums with his son Cyrus playing the bass guitar at the Lion’s Den. This was special time for Tonnes to be able play music with his son.

Tonnes was proceeded in death by his father, Scott Olson, and his Grandparents Joyce and Dwayne Olson, Cecile and Denver Rathbun, and Hale and Betty Samsel. He is survived by his children Cyrus, Tyson and Mazie and their mothers, Nicole Olson, Kira Nolan and Mary Koenig, His mother and stepfather Shelley and Steve Samsel, siblings Kirstine Torgenrud (Ryan) and Andy Samsel (Danielle) stepchildren, Mckayla Graves and Matthew CrazyBoy, aunts and uncles, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, so many friends and coworkers.

Please bring your favorite Tonnes memories and quotes to share as we celebrate his life at the Wilma hosted by Log Jam, on January 28 at 2pm. If unable to attend and would like to still show support for the children there is a GoFundMe  http://gofund.me/631f0425 or call and donate to Clear Water Credit Union under the Tonnes Olson Memorial fund.

“I love music. I always have loved music. Some guys claim to be in the music business. I AM the music business!” -Tonnes Olson

“You’re a legend. You made a big impact on the music community and scene.”

“He was filled with so much love and laughter. He had a heart with no boundaries.”