Harold Olin
February 17, 1930
-
May 31, 2025
Funeral Service Information:
Harold (Hal) B. Olin died with his family by his side in Chicago on May 31. He and wife Joan (predeceased) were married for over 60 years. Harold had a zest for life that was contagious.
Born in Chicago, Harold spent his early years living with his aunt and uncle in Romania, then Siberia during wartime. At 16, upon returning to the U.S., he graduated with honors from the Bronx High School of Science. After moving to Chicago, he graduated from the IIT School of Architecture in 1954, studying under modern architecture pioneer, Mies van der Rohe. Harold met Joan at Burnham Park Yacht Club while crewing on a sailboat. They married and moved to the Indiana Dunes where they raised their children.
Over five decades, Harold built a distinguished career in architecture. As Director of Architectural Research at the U.S. Savings and Loan League, Harold educated housing industry professionals about affordable, energy-efficient building techniques. He was an early proponent of solar energy. Harold was principal author of the book Olin’s Construction: Principles, Materials, and Methods, an educational text continuously in publication since 1964.
Apart from his full-time job, Harold designed numerous private homes in Indiana including the 1961 Meyer-Herlocker house now on the National Register of Historic Places. Harold became a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects in 1996. As Deputy Building Commissioner for the city of Chicago, he guided the comprehensive revision of the Chicago Building Code in 2002.
Harold was an environmental activist. For many years, he was Vice President and President respectively of the Save the Dunes Council and the Lake Michigan Federation. Harold and fellow conservationists successfully testified before Congress for the establishment of the 1964 Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, now the country’s 61st National Park, preserving the area for future generations to enjoy.
Harold loved skiing with family and friends. He was a long-time member of the Lincoln Park Pacers running club. Harold and Joan enjoyed any opportunity to dance and shared a love of the arts.
He is survived by his three children, Ruth (Bill), Jeff (Jodi), and Susan; along with two granddaughters, and two great granddaughters. Tribute gifts may be sent to: Save the Dunes Council or Chicago Architecture Foundation or Shirley Heinz Land Trust.
Born in Chicago, Harold spent his early years living with his aunt and uncle in Romania, then Siberia during wartime. At 16, upon returning to the U.S., he graduated with honors from the Bronx High School of Science. After moving to Chicago, he graduated from the IIT School of Architecture in 1954, studying under modern architecture pioneer, Mies van der Rohe. Harold met Joan at Burnham Park Yacht Club while crewing on a sailboat. They married and moved to the Indiana Dunes where they raised their children.
Over five decades, Harold built a distinguished career in architecture. As Director of Architectural Research at the U.S. Savings and Loan League, Harold educated housing industry professionals about affordable, energy-efficient building techniques. He was an early proponent of solar energy. Harold was principal author of the book Olin’s Construction: Principles, Materials, and Methods, an educational text continuously in publication since 1964.
Apart from his full-time job, Harold designed numerous private homes in Indiana including the 1961 Meyer-Herlocker house now on the National Register of Historic Places. Harold became a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects in 1996. As Deputy Building Commissioner for the city of Chicago, he guided the comprehensive revision of the Chicago Building Code in 2002.
Harold was an environmental activist. For many years, he was Vice President and President respectively of the Save the Dunes Council and the Lake Michigan Federation. Harold and fellow conservationists successfully testified before Congress for the establishment of the 1964 Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, now the country’s 61st National Park, preserving the area for future generations to enjoy.
Harold loved skiing with family and friends. He was a long-time member of the Lincoln Park Pacers running club. Harold and Joan enjoyed any opportunity to dance and shared a love of the arts.
He is survived by his three children, Ruth (Bill), Jeff (Jodi), and Susan; along with two granddaughters, and two great granddaughters. Tribute gifts may be sent to: Save the Dunes Council or Chicago Architecture Foundation or Shirley Heinz Land Trust.
Clergy:
Rabbi Reni Dickman