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Bruce Olson Obituary
Bruce Elden OLSON Feb. 17, 1956 ~ Sept. 14, 2010 Our beloved Bruce lost hisshort but incredibly courageous9-month battle with pancreatic cancer on Sept. 14, 2010, at age 54. His 'greatest achievement' in his life was his two beautiful daughters Cori (21) and Shelby (18).He was passionate in his role as their father. He was a loving soul mate to his fiancée Amy Cram (Lynnwood), a caring andloving son to his mother Barbara Olson (Winthrop) and respectfully devoted to his mother's long-time companion Art Davis (Winthrop), who he loved as a father and who helped raise Bruce since childhood. Bruce was born in Longview, Wash., and grew up first in the Seattle area and later in Bothell, where he lived for most of his life. He graduated Bothell High School in 1975. His two daughters also graduated from Bothell High School and Bruce was so proud of their achievements. He worked professionally as a carpenter and loved to golf, as it was his passion to be surrounded by the beauty and his closest friends on the golf course. Bruce left his mark on this world by being a warm genuine human being, father, son, brother, friend and loving companion. The room would light up when Bruce entered. He had a warm, engaging personality and made those around him smile with his wit and sincere interest in their lives. He was easy to talk to, people could confide in him, he made people laugh, and everybody gravitated toward him. Bruce nourished his relationships with family and friends and was always there for whoever needed him. He was a man who wasn't afraid to tell his friends that he loved them. Even after being diagnosed, Bruce remained positive and continued to thank God every night before going to sleep for his loved ones and for the life that he loved. He truly felt blessed for what he had. Bruce was preceded in death by his father Russell Olson. In addition to those listed above, Bruce is survived by his older and much loved brother John 'Butch' Olson (wife Ruth), younger sister Julie Bodmer, who he loved and cherished so very much (husband Joe), Tracy Olson (beloved mother of Shelby and Cori), Mariana Thien, who he loved as his own daughter (husband Khom) and many wonderful nieces and nephews. A private service will be held to celebrate his wonderful life. Remembrances can be sent to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, www.pancan.org.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Olson
John
January 11, 2024
Bruce, I think of you often and miss you tremendously. The year we shared an apartment together while working in Albuquerque, NM and the times we worked together in California are some of one of the best times of my life. I miss your smile, laugh and positive energy. Love you as a brother forever.
Amy Smith
September 15, 2019
Dear Bruce,
Its been 9 years now... there truly isnt a day that goes by that I havent thought of you..... I miss you you still...
Love,
Amy
Amy Smith
September 15, 2019
Oh how I miss you still, beautiful man...
Heidi Willey
September 28, 2011
Bruce,
it has been a little over a year now but your absence is ever present. Every birthday , BBQ, get together and celebration is a little less lively and always missing "something". Your girls are doing well honoring you as they go on with growing and learning...you are ever present in all they do. Amy is keeping busy mostly because it keeps her one step ahead of her sorrow but we all still laugh and enjoy being silly. Thank you for the rainbows you've sent i smile through my tears every time i see them. I hope you've spent time with both my Mom and Dad and i know your golf game is amazing now! Thanks for the memories and loving my sister but give her your strength when she has her dark days i know she will feel it. Love you and until we meet again...hasta la pizza !
Love , Heidi
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September 13, 2011
I only got to see you a few times but those times were really great. You really put a stamp on some of us and we miss you lots. Rest in peace dear friend. xxx
You and your beautiful daughters......
June 24, 2011
June 23, 2011
Sometimes..... I am so lost...I know that only you and I truly knew what we shared and the pain of the reality of never holding you, looking at you, hearing your voice.... just getting lost in one another. The loss of you is the most painful endeavor I have yet to face in my life... and sometimes I think I am going to be okay, but other times still, I don't think I will be.... I wish it was the way it used to be... I was at my happiest, thank you my Bruce...
Love you honey,
Amy
June 23, 2011
There is not a day that goes by when you are not in my thoughts.... I will always love you....
Love,
Amy
April 10, 2011
My Dearest Love,
I miss you in my life, you will never leave my heart.... thank you for loving me, forever I will be changed because of your love.
Love,
Amy
Shelby olson
December 21, 2010
daddy
There's not a day that goes by that i don't think about you. Your my world. I'm still the boy you never had. You showed me hot wheels and race tracks. I played all the sports. You were my biggest fan, and now your gone. I know cori and i are the only part of you we have left. You made us grow up great. I couldn't of asked for anything better. You made us have so many good memories, that i will never forget.
I miss your laugh, your hugs, your jokes, the adventures we would have, road trips. I'll miss eating ice cream with you at anytime of the day. Im going to miss the advice you would share with me. It seemed like you knew everything there was to know about anything, and im going to miss that because i wont know much without you.
I dont know if ill ever be okay that your gone. There's so many things i want to experience with you and show you about my life, but now you wont be able to be there.
I know you will always be looking down at me and saying to yourself "oh shelby, you dont need to do that.." or "well your gonna learn your lesson." Or you'll be laughing with me from up above.
There's nothing i wouldn't do to have you here. My heart will never be hole now that you have left me.
I love you deeply and will miss you dad..
Love your little girl
Anna Ursino
October 26, 2010
Bruce~
Being at school has halted my grieving process to a slow drift, the realization of you being gone has hit me hard multiple times through dreams and daily events. It only has been a little over a month now but the wounds are still fresh for your family. Yet, we stay at peace knowing you are in paradise watching over. You are greatly missed by everyone and that will never change.
love you dearly
Patrick Hansen
October 23, 2010
Rest in peace my friend. You will be truly missed.
October 20, 2010
We only wish there would have been more time to know Bruce. We both thought he was a wonderful person. Jimmy and Danielle Kelley
Leon Willey
October 20, 2010
Hey Bruce,
I've put this off a long as I could. I wanted to wait until I wasn't quite so raw. Hate to cry, but I'm afraid it's one of my greatest talents. I hoped to be strong for Amy and the girls after you left, but I'm afraid I've let you down there, Bud.
I'm not a religious man, but I can't shake the belief that somehow a part of us lives on when we leave our bodies behind. Wherever you are I hope you can see how much you are loved and how big an impact you had on the people around you. It really is a wonderful life. I hope you understand you were far richer than almost anyone I've ever met.
I watched Cori and Shelby during your last weeks. That they love you is beyond question. When you told me you hoped you had been a good father, it was easy for me to tell you unequivocally you had been. I'm sure you made mistakes. You'd be the first person to admit that. And there had to be days you'd do over if you could, but I challenge those girls to remember one of them. You've raised strong, intelligent, beautiful girls, and you you have every right to be proud of them.
When you told me you worried about Amy, I told you not to. I'd fix her up with my brother after you were gone. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to put your laughing response down here. So instead I'll tell you that you needn't worry. She's hurting and she misses you horribly. But she's stronger than even she realizes. And you were one lucky bastard to have those last 38 months with her.
You can add my name to the long list of people who were better off for having known you and who will miss you terribly. -Leon
amy
October 19, 2010
If I could have traded places with you, I would have.....I miss you so much honey.
Eleanor Carlyle
October 12, 2010
Dear Bruce, here at our townhouses, we will miss your gardening tips and bug extermination expertise. But we know you are not far away and looking down on us with your heavenly guiding light...I will be looking up to you next Spring knowing that you will smile when you see our shining green grass and we will be able to see your happy reflection and the great green thumb you shared, which taught me that using Roundup on weeds in the grass was not a good thing...so now I use Weed & Feed...but, Bruce, I still do not know how to use the Spreader very well, so hope you will shine your guiding light on me so I can learn how not to dump a big clump of it in one spot and ruin the grass again!
Happy Cruising, Bruce, we will miss your great green thumb, but know you will be watching to see how well our gardening performance is coming along.
Thumbs Up to a Great Green Thumb! Your Friends and Neighbors at the Ridge at Rivers Crossing. Eleanor & Diana Carlyle
Susie Sturdevant
October 12, 2010
Bruce..I miss your laugh..you will always be our angel in heaven..love Susie
Dan Craig
October 12, 2010
I Miss you Buddy and always will...Dan Craig..
Heidi Willey
October 12, 2010
Bruce was sweet, funny,charming,silly,honest,loving,strong,gentle,ornery,friendly and many other things we all enjoyed. Most of all he was a fantastic father to Cori and Shelby. A wonderful man who loved my little sister beyond measure. A devoted and loving son, brother and Uncle. Bruce and I shared a wonderful ability to be silly together and to laugh at the irony of everyday things. We enjoyed giggling at Amy as she frantically dusted and vacuumed at dirt we couldn't even see. I had the wonderful honor of helping Amy and his 4 girls care for him in his last few weeks here as an Angel on earth...I wouldn't trade a moment of any of that time for all the gold in the world.
Bruce, Thank you for sharing your life here on earth with me but most of all thank you for loving my sister and making her the happiest I have ever seen her. Leon and I will always cherish our weekends we spent with you both at McMennemins. My heart aches without you here but i know your smile will be one I will see again. We will take care of Amy and the girls down here and send me a rainbow every once in a while. Love You Brucee !!!!
Lisa Kohli
October 12, 2010
Thank you Bruce for loving Amy
Lisa
Melisa and Michael
October 11, 2010
As we sit around the table talking and reminiscing about Bruce...his presence is so strong! What great memories. What a great man.
chet smith
October 10, 2010
To the memory of a good guy and good friend.To my grand kids, Cori & Shelby, your Dad will live within you for the rest of your lives and will watch over you. No one is ever really gone. His spirit and love will radiate you through time unspent. There will come a time that we will all meet again. To Amy, the great love you shared with Bruce is like a perennial flower, it will always be in bloom. Knowing Bruce was my joy and I look forward to the day I see him again. Bruce said, tell everyone I love them. Bruce, we all love you back. GPA
Jennifer & John
October 9, 2010
Bruce, we only knew you a few years, but in that short time you made an impact - one of beauty and joy. Thank you for loving Amy and being such a great father to your girls. I figured a candle would be appropriate since you loved and appreciated them for their beauty and ambience. "Unshared joy is an unlighted candle" Spanish proverb. God's garden is beautiful today!
Colleen Nearing-Dohman
October 9, 2010
I miss my friend! Bruce and I stayed in touch over the years ,sometimes there would be a few years between but always, it was as if it was just yesterday. He was my friend in the 70's 80's 90's and 2000. I never had to be anyone but myself and he always was the same loveing, happy, true friend who would tell me like he saw it. He would share with me how happy he and Amy were and he never talked with regret- always looking forward. He was so proud of his daughters. I know you will miss him and find yourselves thinking how you wish he was there. He is always there with you, you are a part of him, he is a part of you. So when you find yourself saying "thats something dad would say or do" know he is there watching over you. He knows what wonderful young ladies you are and has the faith that you will go on to live your lives to their very fullest. ROOTS AND WINGS thats what a parent gives to their children. Know he is smiling on you,and always there in your hearts. I miss my friend, and through my friend I now have a new friend-Amy for that Thank-You. To have witnessed the two of you gives hope to others of true happiness, even if its just for alittle while. It once again reminds me of just how short life can be, you can sit on the sidelines or jump in! Me...I'm jumpin in!! God Bless
Love Colleen Nearing-Dohman
Angie, Dennis & Oliver Titus
September 25, 2010
This morning is beautiful. The birds are singing, the sun is flowing gently through the branches and resting softly on the leaves, and the sky is a brilliant blue. Bruce, thank-you so graciously for all of the blue-skied, sun-filled days you shared with others in your lifetime. The love you shared with cherished Amy was a love you both deserved and one we all admired. You are a model of gratitude for each day and appreciation for those we love. Your light and gentle laughter will never be far. You will always be near and always be loved.
Rosa Ursino
September 24, 2010
Cori and Shelby, I'm really sorry that your dad died. I'm sorry that that happened. I love you!
Dan and Heidi Ursino
September 24, 2010
Bruce, We will help you watch over your girls, all of them. You get the birds eye view. You gave it your all and we're proud of your fight. Be at peace, Brother.
Cori and Shelby, We love you very much and will always be here for you.
The days will always be brighter because he existed. The nights will always be darker because he's gone. And no matter what anybody says about grief and about time healing all wounds, the truth is: there are certain sorrows that never fade away until the heart stops beating and the last breath is taken~ Unknown
Rhonda McElroy
September 24, 2010
Even though your life was cut short your memory and good spirit will live through all of us who knew and loved you. I pray that you, Amy and family will somehow find peace.
Melisa and Michael
September 23, 2010
Although our friendship was not long, we loved Bruce as if we had known him forever. We will cherish all our memories of our time together. Bruce is at peace. All our love to Amy and the family.
Karen Bienz-Danhof
September 23, 2010
We miss you Uncle Brucie! I know dad, Smitty and Randy will miss you in that foursome, but now you can golf with Pete!! Tracy, Amy and the girls will be loved and cared for and you my friend are out of pain and at peace. My nieces are exceptional young women and my in sister laws Blessed to have shared time with you. Our love and prayers also go out to your mom, Art, John, Julie, Joe, Kay, Marianna, Khom and the girls. Godspeed Bruce. We will truly miss you, Dan, Karen, Andrew, Matthew,Danielle and Steven.
kirt brownfield
September 22, 2010
bruce i will miss and love you always. I am a believr in faith and the lord -- and I also believe there are those that get second chances --- and are brought back in the day of ressurection. Hope to see you again. I will remember the good times only ---- and alys will I remeber your smile. Love -- Kirt Brownfield
September 21, 2010
Dear Bruce,For the friendship given and the memories made that will never be forgotten...our love and prayers are with you ,the family and all who will miss you..The Craig Family-( Bothell and Woodinville Wa)
Joanne Steele
September 21, 2010
Dearest Olson Family & Friends, my heart goes out to all of you at this trying time. Bruce was a force of nature, always full of mischief and always with a smile on his face. He loved his family & friends completely and was a devoted and wonderful father to his daughters. Cori and Shelby - I will always be here for you. Your Dad was so very proud of both of you and loved you with all his heart. Amy, know he loved you deeply and you made these last few years of his life so very happy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Joanne & Kate
Tracy Olson
September 21, 2010
Bruce, you were a wonderful father to the girls, a great friend to me, and a very caring fiancee to Amy. To say our world will never be the same without you in it, would be an extreme understatement. Because you were such a great father, I know beyond a doubt Cori and Shelby will continue to make you so very proud. You are going to be greatly missed! Say hi to my dad for me, you always did make him laugh.
Thanks for all my memories.
Deeann Vannoy
September 21, 2010
My heart goes out to Amy and Bruce's entire Family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers daily. Bruce was a wonderful man, Father and Friend to many. He will be greatly missed by all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him.
Bongi Family
September 21, 2010
Our deepest sympathies to all who loved and cherished such a great man. Our memories of Bruce are very fond and always involved a lot of laughter and great times. His passion for life was unmatched. We will always remember that smile & those amazing sparkling eyes.
Lane Jennings US NAVY (Ret)
September 21, 2010
God saw you getting tired when a cure was not to be. So he wrapped his arms around you , and whispered "come to me".
You didn't deserve what you went through, so he gave you a rest. God's garden must be be beautiful, he only takes the best. Fair winds and following seas, my dear dear friend.
Roger Brown
September 21, 2010
I can't believe that you are gone! Memories of you will fill my heart, a smile returns as I look back to earlier times when life was more forgiving! My Heart goes out to your love one's ~ Friends and Family as you will be Deeply Missed My Friend ? Rest in Peace Bruce, knowing that you were a Awesome Man!
Roger Brown
Jill Riddle
September 21, 2010
What a wonderful tribute. Amy my thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family. Love Jill
amy cram, fiancee
September 21, 2010
My sweet darling Bruce, my heart aches without you. You are truly the love of my life and soulmate. You made me the happiest woman I ever have been in my life......thank you for "choosing me" as we were meant to be,but you said you always knew that... we knew that. Our love was so special......exceptional, once in a lifetime. I am lost now without you and I hope I find my way back. I will be yours forever and you will be mine forever, thank you for loving me brucie.....I love you, your Amy
Lindsey Russell
September 21, 2010
I have fond memories of a sweet man. Bruce will be greatly missed. My condolences to close friends and family.
Mark Hanson
September 21, 2010
Bruce,I am so thank full we met up a month ago after 34 years. There is always a reason for everything. Ours was to say hi again and talk about old times. To have you get us together with Lane and Greg to golf was just a great time. I thank you for that. Your snicker and laugh was allways there and I thank you for that. I miss you and thank you for the time we had... Mark Hanson.
September 21, 2010
Dear Olson family,
May you find comfort in the love of friends, family and God.
With deepest sympathy,
The Hoyle Family
Karissa Alley
September 21, 2010
Dearest Bruce,
You had a heart of gold and will truly be missed. We will watch over and take good care of Amy for you! May the angels keep you safe and may your love live on! Take care friend!
Sincerely,
Karissa
September 21, 2010
bruce i will never forget what you did for me and my three boys, you are the best friend and step dad to my niece you are a great man and friend and i will miss you, love you peter f salvati
Randall Thayer
September 21, 2010
In loving memory of a wonderful person and treasured friend, I will love you and miss you always Bruce,And to the family may the love of friends and each other help you through your grief.
amy Cram
September 21, 2010
I miss you so much my love, I can't breathe.....
Love,
Amy
Khom Thien
September 21, 2010
You will never be forgotten my dear friend and Father-in-Law,the World lost a Great man but the Heavens gained an Angel...Until we meet again,I Love You!
Khom
Amy Cram
September 21, 2010
Oh my sweet darling, I cry for you everynight, and my heart aches for you. What will I do without you by my side every night and day.....You were my best friend, you made me laugh and my heart smile. You will always be my first love and only true love Bruce. One day you and I will be together forever, you will never leave my heart, I love you very much.....you always said you "chose you amy" and I am so very happy you were patient with me, because we were meant to be together and somehow............you always knew that and waited for me, and I loved you so passionately. Until we are together again my Brucie, I am yours forever. Your loving fiancee....we almost made it honey, but you were so tired......I love you. Amy
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