FARGO - A legendary fixture of Fargo's karaoke scene might have gained a new signature song after death - "Dust in the Wind."

William Boyd "Wild Bill" Olson, 84, died Thursday, June 8, at West Fargo's Eventide Sheyenne Crossings.

Born Feb. 25, 1933, the lifelong Fargo resident developed a reputation in middle age as a karaoke crooner, frequently popping up at watering holes around town to belt out a song.

He was known for almost always opting to sing one of four tunes: "My Way" and "All the Way" by Frank Sinatra, "Oh What a Beautiful Morning" from the "Oklahoma" soundtrack and George Jones' "He Stopped Loving Her Today."

But one of his last requests might make "Dust in the Wind" a fitting tribute to the octogenarian singer, according to his son, Rick Olson.

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He said his father asked to be cremated and have his ashes scattered in a field or somewhere out in the open after his wake. His family plans to honor that request and also leave some of his ashes at the gravesites of loved ones.

"When you see a gust of wind, remember Wild Bill," Rick Olson said.

Olson was the subject of a 2013 Forum article about his karaoke fame, describing with a wink and a smile the origins of his "Wild Bill" nickname.

He explained it was both a reference to the Western films of actor Wild Bill Elliott that he enjoyed as a kid and an ode to his own wild ways in the past. Olson earned the nickname by the time he checked into rehab decades ago to kick his drinking and smoking habits.

He was married twice, raised five kids and was a grandfather to 14 grandchildren, according to Rick Olson.

After his retirement, with the urging of his son and other children, the father Rick Olson remembers as a stern but always nice parent and friend tried his hand at karaoke.

His many fans in attendance at local karaoke nights didn't seem to mind the singer's limited song selection, showering him with applause whenever he performed.

Dan Haglund, one of the friends he made from karaoke, is asking locals to sing a favorite tune or one of Olson's own signature songs starting at 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 13, at Dempsey's Public House, 226 Broadway N. Attendees are encouraged to donate money to help offset medical bills.

Rick Olson said his father's humor, passion for life and unique charm made Frank Sinatra's "My Way" the perfect song to summarize his life. That's why he sang the tune at a karaoke event Thursday night, getting his own round of applause for his tribute.

He plans to keep singing the song to pay his respects and continue his father's legacy.

"Each time I try it, I might get better, but I don't think I'll ever get as good as my father, Wild Bill," he said.

Olson told The Forum in 2013 that karaoke made him feel "young at heart" while making others happy.

"I try to sing my songs all from the heart," he said.