Tribute to Dennis Olson - BIA President, 1979

The Building Industry Association mourns the loss of Dennis Olson, a former president and longtime member whose impact on our organization and community will not be forgotten. Dennis passed away peacefully on April 3, 2025, in Mesa, Arizona, surrounded by loved ones. He was 82.

He served as president of the Association in 1979, a time of growth and transformation in the Fargo-Moorhead area. His leadership helped shape the direction of the organization, and his commitment to advocacy and awareness of construction needs laid a foundation that continues to benefit our industry today.

Dennis had a degree in architectural drafting and construction management. He owned Creative Living Inc Construction, Hot Tubs and Pools in Fargo with his wife, Connie (both pictured below). They built lasting relationships with clients, employees and peers. Their partnership was a true match, always together in work, life and travel, with a rock-solid bond that inspired admiration.

Above: Dennis Olson (left) pictured with Al Jaeger, former Secretary of State of North Dakota at the BIA-RRV's 50th anniversary celebration in 2006.

Bryce Johnson, CEO of the Building Industry Association, says, “I had the privilege of working for Dennis and Connie so closely in the early years when the Home Show made the jump from West Acres to the downtown Civic Center to becoming one of the first events held in the newly constructed Fargodome, renamed the Red River Valley Home & Garden Show. They were among the kindest, smartest and most customer-focused people I’ve ever known. They were some of the strongest advocates of the BIA and giving back to the industry that they loved and saw great success."

She remembers them as a set, a pair and a team in business and life.

"I never saw them apart. If they were, it was a rare occurrence. They always consulted one another and built a business, run by family that was highly regarded and successful," Bryce says. "We watched and enjoyed their lovely children grow up in the business. They had a profound impact on the BIA programming, membership growth, engagement and leadership development." 

Above: Dennis and his wife, Connie, in Arizona.

Beyond the job site, Dennis was a man of faith, service, and community. Whether volunteering at church dinners (often as the dishwasher no one dared replace), mentoring youth in archery and scouting, or sharing stories from his travels and baseball days, Dennis lived a life full of purpose and generosity. His warmth, honesty and storytelling left an impression on everyone he met.

Dennis’s legacy lives on through his wife Connie, children Traci and Jed, granddaughters Shawna and Jessica, and the lives he touched through his work and service. We are grateful for his leadership, his friendship, and the example he set for future generations of industry professionals.

Bryce notes that the BIA remained connected to the Olsons through member involvement and their participation as an exhibitor in the Home & Garden Show. After retirement, the Olsons would stop at the BIA occasionally as well.

"Dennis always said there is nothing better than addressing challenges face to face, in person conversations, especially with tough decisions. It was impactful advice. Often times those conversations resolved problems, established leaders and lead to life-long connections," she says.

The BIA-RRV extends deepest condolences to the Olson family and join them in celebrating a life well lived.

Click here to read Dennis' obituary.