Captain Arnold Karl Olsson

Arnold was born in Uddevalla, Sweden to Oskar and Anna Olsson.  Anna Olsson passed away shortly after childbirth.  Baby Olsson was unnamed at first and a nurse suggested he be named Karl.

Thereafter it was determined that baby Olsson should be named Arnold Olsson, a name his mother Anna had wanted.

Arnold had four half-siblings, all residing in Sweden.  By a previous marriage, Arnold has 3 children, Angela, Ulrika (Tullan) and Gilbert Olsson.  There are also two grandchildren, Sara and Younes along with 3 great grandchildren, Majken, Douglas and Edith

Arnold served in the Swedish Navy on a mine-sweeper.  Following his mandatory military service, he joined the Swedish merchant marine and began his long seafaring career with Brostroms AB, travelling around the globe.  After several years of maritime service and apprenticeship, Arnold moved up the ranks eventually becoming Chief Officer.  Determined to further his professional career, Arnold attended a maritime college in Gothenburg, Sweden.  He graduated as a Master Mariner (Sea Captain), an received his Sjokaptensbrev license enabling him to command large oceanic vessels.  Arnold's love of learning continued throughout his life. While on long sea voyages, he studied various languages (French, German, English and Italian), physics, along with other sciences.

After his first marriage ended, Arnold transferred from Brostrom AB to a United States subsidiary, Atlanttrafik Express Service (AES) based in New York City where he met his future wife, Diane. Arnold assumed new responsibilities as a Port Captain, supervising operations and preplanning the loading and discharge of container ships, M/S Tamara, Nagara and Malmros Monsoon along the U.S. East Coast and Canada.  Still, in this position, Arnold continued to travel around the world for two weeks each month.

The move to the United States enabled Arnold to retire from active sea life and to spend the balance of his career land based.  The couple married in June 1982.  Arnold and Diane lived in Greenwich and Norwalk Connecticut for many years then moved to Baltimore, Maryland for new employment with Wilhelmsen Lines.

In 1994 Arnold and Diane became parents to Michelle.  Once again, Arnold became a proud father.

Arnold loved all of his four children and travelled to his beloved homeland, Sweden, for vacation.

He integrated his second family into the Swedish traditions and culture.  Diane considers Gothenburg, Sweden her second home!

Travel was the core of who Arnold was.  He had over 10 Swedish passports covered with entry stamps from around the world.  From his travels, he brought back many stories, lessons and souvenirs. His travel memorabilia fill our home. Our spice closet is overflowing with ingredients from his travels to India and the South Pacific; similarly, our porcelain is from his tour in Japan. In addition to the love of travel, Arnold enjoyed calligraphy, drawing, and painting. His primary concern was caring for his beloved black Labrador retrievers Julia and Kalli.   Despite his love for scuba diving and aviation, he was the most down to earth person, salt of the Earth.  His contagious smile and warm disposition touched everyone. His travels taught him that suffering was a part of the human condition regardless of geographic location.  In turn, he taught us all to treat everyone with kindness and empathy.  His concern for others was not limited to people but extended that treatment to animals.

Arnold's passing left a void in our lives. Our memories of him light a flame in the void of his absence. We must all choose to remember his presence and fill his absence with the light he shone upon us.  While we are deeply saddened, we know that he is at peace now and sharing stories of his rich life with friends in Heaven.  We are all better individuals as we were graced with his presence.

The family will receive friends at Peaceful Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Center, P.A., 2325 York Road, Timonium, Maryland 21093 on Monday, October 18 from 5-8 PM with a funeral service beginning at 8 PM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Baltimore Humane Society in honor of Arnold Olsson by using this link: https://bmorehumane.org/donate/tribute-and-memorial-donations/ .