In high school, he competed on the debate team (his debate partner was legendary astrophysicist Kip Thorne). In college (Utah State) he joined the Sigma Chi Fraternity and was elevated to the the Order of Constantine (the fraternity's highest honor) and was also recognized as a Significant Sig.
An absolute brute on the football field, he was part of the Fearsome Foursome for the 1960's Los Angeles Rams and inducted into the Football Hall of Fame in 1982. He also appeared in 51 episodes of Little House on the Prarie--not the Manliest of television shows, but his hulking presence conveyed a strong gentleness on the small screen.
Merlin Olsen, besides having a great name, encapsulated many elements of what I consider A True Man's Man.
Sadly, he was diagnosed in 2009, and died after a short bout against mesothelioma.
High Noon Driveby earns 31 points.
Merlin Olsen
September 15, 1940 - March 11, 2010
No comments:
Post a Comment