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Leon A. Olson (c.1913 – June 6, 2002) walked around Lake Merritt almost daily for 12 years, sometimes three times a day, logging over 20,000 miles. He is remembered with a plaque near Lakeside Drive and Jackson St. 1

He lived nearby at the Lake Park Retirement Community, and "was known for his ready smile, friendly greeting, regular habits, fastidious dress, sharp memory, and love for walking." 2

Discovering the plaque and the story behind it was one of the inspirations for Scott Oliver to create the Once Upon a Time, Happily Ever After... project. 3

CC SA-BY Our Oakland CC SA-BY Our Oakland

Links and References

  1. Honorary Memorial at Lake Merritt Oakland Tribune December 17, 2002
  2. Leon Olson Obituary
  3. Living Happily Ever After at Lake Merritt ArtPractical.com May 2012
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