Arne Stein Olsen, resident of Ridgewood NJ, age 88, died Friday afternoon April 21, 2017. He was a Biology and Chemistry Teacher at Ridgewood High School for 25 years, where he was the impetus to eliminate on-site smoking and formed Students for Environmental Action to establish recycling. A graduate of State University of New York Teachers College at Brockport, he also held Masters degrees from Syracuse University, Ohio State, New York Medical College, and completed the coursework requirements for a doctorate at Rutgers University.  A coach for Cross Country, Connie Mac and Little League baseball teams during his years as a village educator, he served for 13 years as President of the North Jersey Masters running club and race director of the Ridgewood Memorial Day Run, as well as, President of NJTAC. Arne is a USAF veteran and served in the Army of Occupation Japan and as a Reservist for the Korean War.
In 1988, along with his wife Marguerite, they traveled to Russia with United Athletes for Peace to run a 10 K race in Moscow. He said, "The idea is that common citizens through sports, will develop friendships and an understanding of people from different nations". He enjoyed the challenge of marathons, and completed the Boston marathon in 3 hr 13 minutes.  A member of the Hobbyists Unlimited since 1995, he was the Newsletter editor for 13 years, participated in the Tennis and Bowling groups, and traveled on several overseas and local trips. He and Marguerite especially enjoyed the dinner dances. Arne is survived by his wife Marguerite, his two sons Arne and Karl, and granddaughter Ava.  A memorial gathering will be held on June 17th from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at The Woman's Club of Ridgewood, 215 W. Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood.

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