John Culligan Olin

February 21, 2010

Molly,
I only found out about John this past week while reading the Blake Bulletin. I'm so sorry for your loss. John was a fine person. Bubbly is how I remember him. I first met John in 1967 when I taught him sailing at Minnetonka Yacht Club. He was always eager to learn, asking all kinds of questions.

The next time I saw John was in 1978 when I took work at his Dad's business, Tremolino Boat Company. John would sometimes work with us, and...

O, last Saturday, October 17,2009 was John's birthday. It felt sweet having John's birth pouring back to me, his babyhood, wiggling from head to toe by three months responding to company. As I told you on his funeral day, when he was just above my knees, he'd throw his arms around my knees in the kitchen, throw back his head and burst, "O, Mom, don't you just love everyone in the whole wide world!" Well, of course I do! How can I be sad in the midst of memories of my happy little boy who...

Dear Culligan and Olin Families,

We only now have heard of the death of John and are stunned. We are deeply sorry for your loss. It is with the most heartfelt sympathies that my husband Jon Erickson and I send you our deepest condolences.

With abiding love,

Barbara Roche

Though I did not know John well, he was a guy I really enjoyed dealing with at his bike shop in Wilmette. He was always extremely professional and competent (with a sense of humor); he was the type of small business owner that you wanted to patronize. He created a sense of trust that was well deserved, that he and his team were the guys to go to when you had any bike issues. This news just does not make any sense.

Just a short note from a Highland Park mom who remembers John as a man whom I approached at the shop to help my daughter learn how to ride a bike. She had struggled with motor skills and I was unable to teach her myself. Each day at lunchtime, I would put her bike in the car and pick her up from school and John would stop whatever he was doing and take her out back to teach her. He never asked for a thing for doing this, as a matter of fact, it embarrassed him when I would bring muffins to...

Molly and Culligan & Olin families,
My condolences to all of you. I hope the memories you share will bring you comfort, and the love of all your family and friends will give you strength. Blessings.
Diane Brown

Dear Ellie, CC, Caroline and Mimi,
It was a chock when I received the news that one of my best playmates whom I known for over 30 years is no longer with us! I still can not really understand it.

I met John and Ellie in the mid 1980-ties during a ski trip to Jackson Hole. We had a fantastic week, John and I instantly enjoyed the very competitive skiing down the slopes- or preferably - off the slopes! The Olins soon became very close friends. Throughout the years, we have skied...

My deepest condolences to everyone in John's family -- especially his two girls. We've been buying bikes and seeking cycling/sports advice from John since his RRB days. He was a great guy with a lot of useful cycling knowledge and always took time to answer even the most ignorant questions we'd present him. We'll all miss him. Maryclaire Collins & family

Dear Tony,

When there are no words to ease the pain, may your spirit be touched by the love that surrounds you and slowly may the healing begin.

Thinking of you and holding you all in prayer.

with love,
Pam Kearney