Love and Support for Craig & Judy Olson: November 2013

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Obituary

(The obituary in the papers is a shortened version of this. Thanks to Bret for writing it).

Craig Allen Olson, 65, passed away in his home Sunday, October 27, 2013, after a long and valiant fight with cancer. In life and at passing, he was surrounded by his family, and certainly enjoyed a sweet reunion with his loving parents-in-law, John & Betty Wunderli and his grandparents, who preceded him in death. Born May 25, 1948, to Calvin & Ruth Olson in Salt Lake City, UT, Craig was raised on the family ranch is Vernon, UT where he was taught the lessons that would shape his life. He served an LDS mission at 19 to Australia. After meeting his sweetheart Judy, they were married in the Los Angeles, California LDS temple for time and all eternity. Craig graduated from Utah State University, and then embarked on a 36 year journey teaching religious classes for the LDS Church Education System in Utah, Colorado, and finally Arizona where he finished his career. Craig and Judy served a 2-year mission to BYU Hawaii, again teaching religion classes to some of God’s choicest children. It was one of the greatest times of their lives. Craig lived his life to the fullest, worked hard, played hard, and found great joy in life’s simple pleasures and was loved by all. He spent his last moments on earth serving, teaching, and professing his love and gratitude to his family. He is survived by his eternal companion, Judy, children Jason and ReeAnn (Roberts) Olson, Mindi and Bryan Bunker, Ariane and Bret Woods, Zachary and Rachael (Searle) Olson, 15 precious grandchildren, his parents Calvin & Ruth, and siblings Jim Olson, John Olson, Mark Olson, Judy Sautter, Lana Thomas, Myrl Benson and Jeanine Timothy. We wish to thank Reflections Hospice for their loving care of Craig.

Utah Funeral Details

Sorry we didn't get AZ funeral details posted on this blog but here is the information for Utah this week:

@ Vernon Ward Building

Tue., Nov. 5
Visitation 6-8pm

Wed., Nov. 6
Visitation 10am
Funeral 11am

We continue to be very grateful for all of your support.

Friday, November 1, 2013

Address

Some have asked for Mom's address. Since we don't want to post it you can email me and I'll send it to you: racholson@gmail.com.

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers - we feel them.

The Battle

Six years ago Dad was diagnosed with colon cancer. Through surgery and chemotherapy, the cancer went into remission and Dad & Mom were able to fulfill their dream of serving a mission. They served in Laie, Hawaii, at BYU Hawaii.

Near the end of their mission, the cancer returned: stage 4. He has tried different types of chemotherapy, but unfortunately the cancer progressed to his abdomen where it "weeps" causing him to build up fluid. This fluid build up is very painful and makes it nearly impossible for him to eat. In July, the situation was misdiagnosed as a bowel obstruction and his health quickly deteriorated as he could not eat and the cancer spread. Finally, an ER visit led to the discovery of the fluid and several liters were drained from his abdomen.

Wanting to leave no stone unturned, we as a family encouraged Dad to get a second-opinion at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Utah. They used a feeding tube to get him nutrition, but the cancer is taking all his calories and more. He has lost a significant amount of weight. The doctors were willing to try chemotherapy for 4 weeks to knock the cancer in the abdomen back sufficiently to allow him to rally for an experimental chemo treatment they have seen encouraging results from. He had a heart attack before treatment could begin and the doctors warned that the chemo option, while having a small chance of being effective, had a very high probability of causing a massive heart attack.

He is very tired and ill so he discontinued treatment and returned home. Basically he is starving and hospice care has been arranged. But of course we remain hopeful for more time, yet accepting of the Lord's will.

We are grateful for a knowledge of the Plan of Salvation and Happiness. We know that he is a great man and that the Lord must have need of him on the other side. We have no doubt where he is going. The Spirit has brought us great comfort and peace, as have the kind services and words offered by those around us.

We know many people love our dad and mom, but please check with family before visiting at this time - he is very tired. He wants to spend time with family. But we would love for you to post your thoughts, memories, and feelings here on this blog for us to share with him.

Thank you for your love, support, and prayers!