ROBERT E. OLSEN, age 83, of Hanson, formerly of Hingham, died on Saturday, Jan. 24th at the Brockton Hospital after a brief illness. Mr. Olsen was born in Hingham and was a graduate of Hingham High School, Class of 1937. He was a machinist at the Fore River Shipyard during World War II and from 1943 to 1968 worked at the Old Colony Knitting Mill in Hingham, also known as Greenfields. He then was associated with the Olsen Machine Co. in Rockland until retiring 4 years ago. Mr. Olsen was an authority on the history of Hingham and an avid model railroad buff. He moved from Hingham to Hanson 40 years ago.He leaves his wife Sally (Breen) Olsen of Hanson, a son, Donald H. Olsen of St. Petersburg, Florida, and a brother, Ronald J. Olsen of Hingham. Also survived by 5 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was the father of the late Robert B. Olsen and brother of the late Doris McMillan, the late Howard B. Olsen and the late Donald B. Olsen.A funeral service will be conducted on Friday, Jan. 30th at 10 AM at the Downing Cottage Funeral Chapel, 21 Pond St., Hingham.Friends may visit at the Downing Chapel on Thursday evening from 4-7 PM.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Bare Cove Fire Museum,P.O. Box 262, Hingham, MA 02043.The interment in Fern Hill Cemetery in Hanson is to be private.