North Risk Partners Grieves Loss of Partner Darwin Olson

Darwin Olson, partner in North Risk Partners (NRP) and legendary insurance agent with NRP division, C.O. Brown, died Wednesday evening after wrapping up a full day at the office.

A Long History

Olson joined C.O. Brown in July 1969. At the time, the agency was already well known in Rochester and surrounding communities. Over the next 15 years, he built a successful book of business and became a well-respected member of the community. In 1984, Olson and fellow agents, Michael J. Fogarty and Lyle Papenfuss, purchased C.O. Brown from Bob Brown, son of Clarence Brown who founded the agency in 1917.

Over the next 30 years, C.O. Brown grew to include a series of satellite offices in communities such as Austin, Kasson and Lake City; and also acquired Kemp Agency in Lake City, Lawrence-Bohmbach Agency in Red Wing, and McClure Agency in Mankato.

A Life Well Lived

Thursday was a mixture of tears and laughter as he was remembered by co-workers, family, and friends – many who are C.O. Brown insureds – at a lunch-time reception held at the agency’s Rochester office.

“Olson’s impact in his community was as great as his impact at C.O. Brown,” said Chris Meidt, COO of North Risk Partners. “Olson was more than an insurance salesman; he was a trusted advisor and personal confidant to his clients.

“He told many that he loved C.O. Brown and would work until the day he died. Always a gentleman, Olson lived up to his word. Together we mourn the loss of a tremendous individual, but also celebrate a life well lived.”

Visitation and Service Arrangements

The visitation will be held at Ranfranz Funeral Home on Monday, Nov. 9, 5 – 8 p.m. The service will be held at Autumn Ridge Church on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 3 p.m.

About North Risk Partners

North Risk Partners (NRP) is a 150-employee independent insurance brokerage comprised of four core divisions: St. Cloud-based Apollo, Rochester-based C.O. Brown, St. Paul-based Johnson McCann and Thief River Falls-based Thune. We also have multiple satellite locations across the state, including offices in Albany, Alexandria, Baudette, Hastings, Lake City, Mankato, Melrose, Monticello, Red Wing and Roseau. Our advisors deliver customized insurance solutions to businesses and individuals, and act as each client’s strategic partner for reducing risk. In addition, businesses can streamline systems and control cost with NRP’s value added services in the areas of human resources, health and safety, and wellness. For more information, visit www.northriskpart3.wpengine.com. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Media Contact: Kate Burnevik, Marketing Communications Manager – North Risk Partners
Phone: (651)486-2192 Email: kburnevik@northriskpartners.com