Allan "Buckshot" Olsen

Allan “Busckshot” Lauritz Olsen of Casper, Wyoming passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. He was born May 4, 1937 to Carl Oscar Olsen and Elsie Minnie Olsen (Speth) in Powell, Wyoming. 

When he was a young boy, Allan lived on his family’s homestead in Deaver, Wyoming established in 1910 by his father who immigrated to the United States from Denmark. The homestead served as a family farm where they raised sheep. In his early twenties, he met Irene Sue Durfee, whom he married in 1959. That same year, he pursued a career in the oil field and moved around a lot in the years to follow. He roughnecked out of Roundup, Montana among other places. While out on a rig in 1960, Allan got news that Irene had gone into labor and was taken to Preston, Idaho which was the closest available hospital, where she gave birth to their son, Lynn Allen. Seven years later, while living in Rock Springs, Wyoming, Irene gave birth a second time, this time to a baby girl whom they named Ginger Rae. After which, the family relocated to Casper, Wyoming until 1976 when they moved again to Denver, Colorado. In their later years, Allan and wife Irene returned to Casper before purchasing property in Story, Wyoming for a summer home, and later bought a winter home in Bullhead City, Arizona. Allan had tremendously accurate aim with a shotgun at the trap range. He could hit 99 out of 100 clay pigeons, which earned him the nickname “Buckshot.” The nickname was solidified during a fateful pheasant hunt with friends, when a pheasant flew down the line of hunters, avoiding shots and flying higher as it reached the end of the line. All the other hunters missed, but “Buckshot” Allan was able to down the bird.

 Allan, or “Buck,” as he was known by his friends, started Olsen Drilling in the late seventies. Buck was every bit the businessman, and could sell just about anything to almost anyone. Ever the entertainer, Buck loved hosting parties and socializing. A prankster who enjoyed dime store gag novelties and raunchy humor, Buck was always telling jokes, and had an anecdote or catchy phrase for almost every situation. He was fond of Roger Miller’s song, “King of the Road” and often sang along to it. He also enjoyed making pancakes for his family for breakfast. Over the years, Buck owned three Yorkies: Missy, Junior, and Bubba. His hobbies included bird hunting, golfing, and fishing.

 Allan is survived by his wife, Irene; son, Lynn; daughter, Ginger Olsen Cook; three grandchildren, Josh (Kate) Olsen, Jake Cook, Jack (Mariah) Cook; and one great-grandchild, Grace June Cook. He also embraced a step-grandson, Travis (Sarah) Gray; and two step-great-grandchildren, Owen and Evan. Allan was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Elsie; and siblings: Esther, Betty, and Charlie.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 2:00pm at Newcomer Casper Chapel. A viewing for family and friends will be held prior to the service starting at 1:00pm. To view the services to Buck, please visit https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTczNDQ2NzQzMzM0MTcwOSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

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