Raymond S. Olson

I first met Ray and Pat Olson some 61 years ago I was a 3 year old and lived behind them in my grandparent's old farm house. The Olsons were newly weds and I called them my 'favorite girfrind and boyfriend'. I remember fondly all of the bonfires, the big swing in the tree and Ray's stories. Those were great times and I will always remember Raymond, God bless you Ray.

My husband and I lived next door to the Olson's on Garden Home Road for many years. We knew them as quiet neighbors who generously shared their crop of delicious blackberries. Our sympathies to the family at Ray's passing.

Pat and the boys:
Good Guy Gus will be missed by us all.

Doug Twedt & family

Our football playing days at Benson in 1942 seems like yesterday - in some ways. Warming the bench till the last few seconds. But we had fun knocking the first stringers around during the week.
I recognized you immediately. It looks like you had the good life you deserved. Best to family. Dick Bisenius

Sorry to see you leave Uncle Ray, better times await you I hope. Thanks for taking the time and effort to take me hunting in eastern Oregon with your sons. I have many great memories of those times and have passed on that hunting heritage to my sons. What a great gift you provided us! Thanks again. Rats

My name is James C. Belknap and I became a neighbor of Ray Olson and his family when I was a young child. Mr. Olson, or "Ray" to those closer to his age, was always a gentleman and kind person. Mr. Olson treated us openly and fairly and I will always remember that he was fair and treated people in a manner that was wonderful example. I have not seen or spoken with the Olson's in many years since the days we would play football in his expansive back yard. Even when we would go off the lawn and...

Having grown up with Mark and his brothers in Garden Home, I have tons of memories of Ray. My dad was also in the trucking business, so I knew him from two sides - the dad who hung the best rope swing I can remember from the cherry tree in their back yard. And the business acquaintence who would flip my dad to see who bought the coffee. Most often I think it was Ray, or so he liked to 'complain'. What I remember most is his sense of humor and ready laugh. I will put that in my box of...

Only the back fence divided the Olson household from the Belknap household--and the 4 great Olson boys from the Belknap boys.
The good nature of Ray -- his quick and clever humor, his generous willingness to help, made him a fun and valued friend and neighbor.
Pat, Mark, Matt, Ned & Jay--I am sorry for your loss of this vibrant man. Your whole family is special to me and I think warmly of you all often.

My name is Wendell Belknap. I haven't seen Ray in years, but remember him fondly and well. We moved into the same neighborhood as Ray in 1969. The Belknaps and the Olsons were instant and natural friends, due to their mutual interests, hunting, fishing, camping, and the like. A certain penchant for good-hearted mischief was also a shared interest! My teenage years were spent next door to Ray, Pat, and their boys. More times than I can remember we played football games in the Olson back...