Cpl. Toby R. Olsen

Cpl. Toby R. Olsen

Toby R. Olsen Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 23, 2007.
MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) A soldier from Manchester was killed during the weekend in a roadside bombing in Iraq, the Department of Defense said Tuesday.
Army Spc. Toby Olsen, 28, was killed Saturday in Karma, Iraq, along with three other soldiers, the department said. A bomb went off near their Humvee. The soldiers were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry (Airborne), 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, in Fort Richardson, Alaska. The Defense Department said Olsen lived in Manchester, but relatives said his ties were in Hawaii, where he grew up and graduated high school.
His parents, James and Lis Olsen, live in Germany, where James Olsen is an Army colonel and eye doctor. His grandparents, John and Hiroko Olsen, live in Wahiawa, Hawaii.
An uncle, Robert Olsen of Mililani, Hawaii, said Olsen was born in Maryland and moved to Hawaii around 1991.
"Hawaii was his home," Robert Olsen told The Honolulu Advertiser. Olsen earned an art degree from Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia, said another uncle, Larry Beil of San Francisco.
"He was artistic, so gifted in drawing," Beil said. "The guy could draw like you wouldn't believe. He wanted to fulfill his military duty and become an art teacher."
While visiting his parents in Germany during Christmas leave and before he returned to Iraq, Toby Olsen wrote some thoughts:
"I am an artist, I strive to create and enjoy almost nothing more than to sit having all the time and freedom in the world and create," Olsen wrote. "I hit a point in life though, where my art wasn't fulfilling anymore, it felt empty." So, with a feeling that he had too much freedom, he wrote, he joined the Army. "Now my time is run by the minute, there is almost no room for creativity. I now conform to ideas instead of imagine, and destroy instead of create," he wrote. "The contrast thus far has led to a strong resurgence of my former drives and desire to create as well as a newfound level of respect for the freedoms I once had.
"Hope I live long enough to enjoy them again."

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Toby R. Olsen's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

November 4, 2016

Someone posted to the memorial.

June 23, 2015

Someone posted to the memorial.

January 22, 2013

Peggy Childers posted to the memorial.

November 4, 2016

Aloha and Howdy to all those that spent a moment writing these tributes and sending Toby and his Family your Love. As the 10th Anniversary of Toby's Death approaches I can honestly say that not a day passes when a memory passes through my mind. We miss him, we love him and would give anything to have an Hug or an hour with him. We will travel to Hawaii to be at his gravesite for his 38th Birthday on the 17th and then the Anniversary of his death on the 20th. Oh Darling Toby your dying changed the course of our lives and as Darci Sims said, we are grateful and Thankful for the little while xxx Always with Aloha, Mum xxxx Angel HUGS xxxx

June 23, 2015

god bless you toby.

Peggy Childers

January 22, 2013

To the family and friends of Cpl. Toby R. Olsen:
It has truly been my honor to sign Toby's guest book these past few years. Unfortunately, due to complications from my Multiple Sclerosis, this may be the last message I'm able to write. Please forgive me and know that Toby will always be remembered in my home.
With love and respect ~ Peggy

Peggy Childers

January 21, 2012

January 20, 2012
To the family and friends of Cpl. Toby R. Olsen:
Always remembering Toby. "Some gave all."

Peggy Childers

January 21, 2011

To the family and friends of Cpl. Toby R. Olsen:
Please accept my remembrance of Toby on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Jan Allison

February 3, 2010

Hello dear Lis & Jim,
Just a note to let you know that you & Toby have been in our thoughts.
We love you very much.
I touch the beautiful hawaiian flower that still hangs in my car every morning & I think of you.
It makes me smile.
Jan & Jim

Roger Verschraegen

January 22, 2010

Hi Lis,

We're thinking about you and your family. We wish you all the best for the new year and continued fortitude in dealing with your loss.

Lest we forget!
Roger & Cherri

Peggy Childers

January 21, 2010

To the family and friends of Cpl. Toby R. Olsen:
Remembering Toby on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Safely Home

Michael Iezzi

April 2, 2009

Father we entrust our brother Toby to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
May God hold Toby in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathies.

Kenna Larra

February 19, 2009

We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families. War does not discriminate – It breaks my heart to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,400 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna

In Memory of Toby ~ (Debra Estep)

January 20, 2009

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.


The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”


I did not know Toby, but I am remembering
his service and sacrifice. He is my hero. !

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008


The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol



Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

Peggy Childers

January 20, 2009

To the family of Cpl. Toby R. Olsen:
Toby gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Cheryle Hess

August 9, 2008

Jim, Lis, Tanya & Michael,

Toby and you remain in my thoughts and prayers. God speed.

June 18, 2008

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Cpl Olsen!

Shirley

March 25, 2008

I wanted you to know that your loved one will never be forgotten and neither will the sacrifice he and your family made. My thoughts are with you.

Gretchen Shoemaker

January 20, 2008

IN REMEMBRANCE OF TOBY

"The beginning of the end of war lies in remembrance.” Herman Wouk

Jim, Lis, Tanya & Michael,

Epiphany is the liturgical season of light shining out into the darkness of the world. This morning, candles were lit in the War Memorial Chapel of the Washington National Cathedral for you, Toby, the fallen, the recovering wounded, and the serving paratroopers of the Spartan Brigade. We will never forget the sacrifices of so many soldiers and their families.

In remembrance of Toby Olsen, Jeffery Bisson, Dustin Donica, Sean Fennerty, Micah Gifford, Henry Linck, Phillip McNeill, and Jamie Wilson, all KIA during Operation Iraqi Freedom, floating candle-lit white lilies were placed in quiet water to provide a “spiritual” illumination. Brian White, who survived that horrific IED explosion a year ago, in which Toby, Jeffery, Sean, and Phillip perished, is here in our home this weekend on leave from Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He along with Peter Shoemaker’s brother John and dad Cliff, floated the candles remembering those brave Geronimos of Able Company, Army 3/509th Airborne.

To convey a calming spirit of harmony and beauty, Paul and Heidi Shoemaker have folded white and silver Japanese origami cranes to commemorate this day. These creations are a testament to the continued power of the paper crane as “a compelling symbol for hope, love, and honor.” The elegant cranes call out to us reminding us to pray without ceasing for world peace.

One of the beautiful Hawaiian Aloha kukui nut leis that you sent with Peter from the Redeployment Ceremony at Fort Richardson in Alaska was placed on his behalf at the grave of SSG Henry W. Linck at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia in honor of Toby. It was at Arlington Cemetery during the Week of Remembrance that our cherished friendship with your family began in May of last year.

From Klein Memorial Park near Houston, Texas, Judy Donica launched two red, two white and two blue helium balloons from the site of Dustin’s grave. Lots of love ascended to those two wonderful friends, Dustin and Toby, who fought so valiantly in Iraq. They are now at peace eternally together in heaven where souls never die.

Surrounding you in love this day and always,

SPC Peter Shoemaker,
Cliff, Gretchen, John & Kim, Paul and Heidi Shoemaker
CPL Dustin Donica’s Family: David, Judy and Courtney
SPC Brian White

Roger Verschraegen

January 19, 2008

Hi Lis, Hi Jim, Hi Tanya,

Cherri and I would like to wish you all an abundance of strength, courage and endurance to see you through tomorrow.

We just returned from our "dig" in Jordan and throughout our stay we listened to someone reading a devotion every morning while we were heading out to go dig on the Tall (hill).

One of the devotions came from Psalm 90 and was very suited to what we were doing:
13 Turn, O Lord! How long?
Have compassion on your servants!
14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil.
16 Let your work be manifest to your servants, and your glorious power to their children.
17 Let the favour of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands—
O prosper the work of our hands!

Lis, you once showed me one of Toby's drawings and it was obvious just how good the work of his hands was. From what I have read in the comments, Toby's work, his very being, however short it was, prospered and affected all of you in a positive way.

We should all get together again after you return from Hawaii.

Meanwhile, our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. We hope your memories bring you comfort.

Frosty - February 7, 2007

John Olsen

January 18, 2008

Hi Tobes. Hope Heaven is more wonderful than anyone ever imagined. And I hope our cat, Frostie, is keeping you good company up there. He died as soon as we got back from your funeral so that he could keep you company. I had "Heaven is Your Canvas" placed on the banner for your floral arrangement at your funeral, and I think I've seen some of your work up there in the heavens. Your artwork is breathtakingly amazing. The photo they have posted of you at this site shows you proudly wearing the beret and insignia of the 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment along with the little figure of Geronimo smack in the middle of the patch. It also shows you wearing that Expert Infantryman Badge that was so difficult to earn. I remember that you said you were one of only 3 guys that had successfully earned the badge out of the dozens that had tried in your unit. Your dad told me that you were still undecided as to weather or not you would wear the EIB or the CIB after you returned from Iraq. As it turns out, you earned each of them giving each your all. And now you get to wear both simultaneously, and there's nothing the Army can do about it. I wish that you had been able to continue on to achieve all of those great goals that you had established. The Army teaches you a lot about yourself, and you had finally discovered who the real Toby was. I've got to admit that it took pure guts to do what you did, and no one did it any better or more bravely than you did. You were and are truly a Professional Soldier. I finally finished the last of the Alaska smoked salmon that you gave me for Christmas a couple of years ago at Hilton Hawaiian Village. Wish we could all go with you to Alaska to catch some more. Anyway, I'll bet you've come across a lot of amazing things where you are that none of us can possibly imagine. Take care and look after Frostie for us. We have 20 more cats, and we'll send them one-by-one to join you as they pass. I miss you a lot. Some day I'll come join you and we can go fishing together. Oh yeah…in case you’ve lost count, Happy 29th Birthday, but I wouldn’t bother counting ‘cause there’s billions and billions and billions more to go. Love, Uncle Jack --- “Geronimo”

Sharla Beil

January 17, 2008

Happy Birthday Dearest Toby! Auntie Sharla was writing about how gorgeous you were as a baby and how you could have been the "Gerber Baby" because you were so cute! There was no more room to type anymore though so I just would like to add that you grew up into such a fine, young, man. We were all so incredibly proud of you and always will be. You always lit up any room that you entered with that gorgeous smile of yours and awesome personality! You are our hero Toby and a hero to your country. We will always be so proud of you and we miss you very much. Your Mum, (Lis) and Dad, (Jim) sister, (Tanya) and brother (Michael) all miss you tremendously every day. Mum and Dad have flown from their home in Germany to Alaska where you were based and also all over the country this past year, to honor you and your fellow friends and soldiers who so bravely gave up their lives in this terrible war.
Mum and Dad even ordered beautiful kukui nut leis from Hawaii and flew them up to Ft. Richardson, Alaska to give to all of your friends and fellow soldiers that you trained with! I'm sure that they were all very touched by your parents kindness and genuine warmth and Aloha spirit!
Your parents are amazing and wonderful people and they love you with all of their hearts. You were a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend to all. Happy 29th Birthday Our Dearest Toby. Today we celebrate your life. You will always be in our hearts...
We love you and miss you very much, hugs and kisses to you,
Auntie Sharla, Uncle Larry, and your little cousins, Kiana -13 yrs old and
Nikki 10 years old....With all of our Love and Aloha, The Beil Ohana. God bless you Toby !

Sharla Beil

January 17, 2008

Happy Birthday To Our Dear Nephew Toby!
Happy Birthday from your little cousins Kiana and Nikki too, with much love...today and everyday.
This is your 29th Birthday and how we wish that you were still here! Although you are with us in only in spirit now, we celebrate you and that very special day that your Mum and Dad joyfully brought their very 1st bundle of joy into the world. What a cuuuute baby you were, with those big gorgeous green eyes, those chubby cheeks and that amazing smile that lit up any room you were in. I, ( Auntie Sharla ) always thought that you looked like and should have been the " Gerber baby " =)

Angela Olsen

January 17, 2008

To Mike,Lis,Tanya,&Michael, I celebrate this day the birth of Toby. I am so glad that he was born to you 29 years ago. His existence made a difference in this world when he was alive and continues to make a difference now. My life is changed forever for having known him, and I'm sure that everyone who knew him feels the same. Not only that, his passing began a chain of events which has made a positive difference in the lives of many others. Lis, you know what I mean, and I can tell you things that I have seen change for the better because of Toby's having existed. I will never forget him nor cease to marvel at such a gift from God that he was and that his family continues to be. I keep you all in my prayers and thoughts always. Love, Angela

Gretchen Shoemaker

January 17, 2008

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Lis,Jim,Tanya & Michael,

The sun is up to welcome the day of Toby’s birth. The sheer miracle of his human existence among us for those all too short years is to be celebrated. Today we remember the joy, light, talent and service he shared with so many all over the world. He made such a difference as he took his place under the sun, moon and stars.

Toby was a gift from God,
and as his adoring family, you cherished, nurtured, and loved him unconditionally. He will be with you in spirit each and every day, and we give thanks for his life.
We are so glad that Toby was born.

With love,
The Shoemaker Family
SPC Peter Shoemaker,
Cliff, Gretchen, John & Kim,
Heidi and Paul

Linda Vogel

January 16, 2008

Toby, you are a hero to us all. May God bless your family. They are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you !

Toby and Tanya Christmas 2006

January 16, 2008

The last time I saw my brother.

Tanya Olsen

January 16, 2008

It's been almost a year since I last saw my big brother. Tomorrow (17 Jan) would have been his 29th Birthday. We never really got along too well. Especially when we were younger! But I always looked up to him. I thought he was the coolest brother and wanted to be just like him! Heh, it was because of him I joined the marching band in high school. The last time I saw him (dec 06- Jan 07) was the first time in our lives that we got along. We actually hung out! The night before he left I wrote a letter to him, telling him how much I admired and loved him, and I told him he needed to be safe and come back to us. I hid the letter in a pocket in one of his military hats, and Mum later told him where it was so he wouldn't miss it. To this day I am so grateful to have done that because I know in my heart I told him everything I needed to. I know he knew how much I love him. And knowing that... makes it easier in a way. Because I don't regret anything! I learned that whenever you have the feeling to do/say something for/to someone, you need to! Because you never know if it could be the last chance...

I love you Toby, and Happy Birthday.

Laura Pendergrass

November 6, 2007

Dear Friends, I have only just heard of the passing of Toby. How I love and remember him from YPG where he and Robb Pendergrass were best friends. Everyday they rode their bikes around the base with brothers Jared and Michael. Toby was Robb's first best friend, and Robb, Toby's. They went to school togeher, performed "Tom Sawyer" together. In their childish hearts dreamed of being togther forever. Riding those bikes through the desert streets. Our family never forgot those beautiful, fun filled days. We never forgot Toby and Michael, and Tonya and Jim and Liz.
We believe that God in His goodness has spared Toby from the evil of this world and that he is in peace as be lies in rest, waiting for the day that we will all be gathered together to ride around the streets of heaven, together forever.
With all my love, Laura

August 21, 2007

There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.

Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.

I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.

REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

August 6, 2007

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Spc Olsen and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

Sherry Malphus

May 25, 2007

Dear Jim and Lis, I will not try to tell you that I understand your pain, for we all suffer loss in our own way. I will say that it was an honor to share Sunday with you in D.C. I will not forget you or your sacrifice. I will pray that you can find some way to heal and please know that both of you and Toby will remain in my prayers.

Robyn Garside

April 23, 2007

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON FOR YOU. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.

A PROUD MARINE MOM

Trudy Lowe

February 13, 2007

My heartfelt sympathies to your family. My heart breaks with each new name added to this list, and I am saddened by your loss. Know that you are surrounded by prayers, grace and the deep gratitude of all who live in freedom. My God hold you in his arms and grant you peace. Please find joy in the memories of your loved one and comfort knowing so many are holding you in their hearts.

Tom Gugliuzza-Smith

February 6, 2007

My heartfelt sympathy to the Olsen family in the loss of Toby. I did not know Toby, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Toby you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom

"To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~

Lee Sirotnak

January 28, 2007

Please accept our condolences for the loss of your loved one, and our prayers that you find peace and consolation in God’s grace. We are indebted to your Soldier for his great sacrifice and we will not forget.

Karen Hickman

January 28, 2007

On behalf of "Gold Star Siblings" Please accept our heartfelt condolences.

January 27, 2007

To the Family of Spc. Toby R. Olsen:
I will stand in grief with this soldier's family to honor him. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and as you mourn this loss.
We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten. You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well.
To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is your wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever.
If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero.
God Bless this soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA

Bobbie Compton

January 26, 2007

Pride and gratitude for this young hero's sacrifice will remain in my heart forever. My deepest sympathy to your family and friends.

Garnet Jenkins

January 25, 2007

Please know how deeply sorry I am to learn of the loss of this Brave Young Soldier, Spc. Toby R. Olsen, who has given his life for our Country and for Freedom.
A multitude of Thanks for his Courage, and his unselfish Dedication and Service.
May Toby Rest Safely, in God's Loving Care and may the Peace of God be with the Olsen family.

Those who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice, So Many and So Young, shall Never Be Forgotten, my brother among them. KIA-Vietnam 1967.

I am sincerely hoping that you can feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you today and in the days ahead, as this Country morns someone very precious to you, who is a Hero to all of us.
You are in my prayers.

"l lift up my eyes to the hills-
from whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth."
~ Psalm 121:1-2 ~

Linda Rhodes

January 23, 2007

Heaven's Call

Heaven called and you were taken
So young to go, to young to know

The call of heaven did not wait
Your time here a short stay
You were called away
To be part of God’s everlasting garden

Borrowed seed from the Master
A small little bud that graced us with your beauty
Now returned upon heaven’s call

A finely chosen rose
Taken before it bloomed
Before your beauty had time to unfold

He is the Gardner and you his prize winning bud
Perhaps He seen a storm that you could not with stand
So he picked you before the wind would fall

The memories forever etched in our hearts
Our little bud now blooms
With the angels up on high

Gary Allain

January 23, 2007

you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.

Sandy Bonesteel

January 23, 2007

As the mother of a son (my only child) who has recently enlisted in the Army and as a fellow American I want to send my condolences.

SHIRLEY DONEY

January 23, 2007

GOD BLESS YOU YOU HAVE EARNED YOUR WINGS IN HEAVEN, TO YOUR FAMILYS AND FRIENDS HOLD CLOSE TO YOUR HEART THE MEMORIES HOPEFULLY THEY WILL BRING YOU COMFORT IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.

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Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

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Ways to honor Toby R. Olsen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

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How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

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How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

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November 4, 2016

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June 23, 2015

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January 22, 2013

Peggy Childers posted to the memorial.