MARK OLSON

Mark Olson of Reedley passed away on Thursday, June 23, 2011, with his family at his side. He was born to George and Patricia Olson of Dinuba on December 29, 1949. Mark always had a smile for those around him and a tremendously joyful and positive disposition. His fun-loving spirit was matched with a deep appreciation of family, friends, simple pleasures and a good meal. The sparkle in Mark's eyes and his quick smile warmed everyone fortunate enough to be in his presence and he was truly an inspiration to others. Mark was a graduate of Dinuba High School, class of 1968. He attended Reedley College and Fresno State where he studied aircraft mechanics and agriculture. He married his high school sweetheart, Patti Shamoon, in 1974, and they were blessed with two loving daughters, Alissa and Jocelyn. Mark worked at Quinn Caterpillar as a diesel mechanic and was nicknamed "Oly". In 1984, he joined Five Way Farms, a farming partnership with his brothers-in-law, Stan and Greg Shamoon, his uncle Jerry Frazee, and cousin Mark Frazee. Mark felt at home working in the fields and loved his time on the ranch. He was also proud to carry on the Olson family tradition of farming and reminisced about his childhood memories growing up on the farm. Five Way Farms eventually turned into a partnership with his brother-in-law, Stan Shamoon. During the past several years, as they both confronted personal health issues, their bond grew stronger providing mutual, loving, support for one another. Mark enjoyed all sports, especially swimming, surfing, water skiing, and snow skiing. His enthusiasm for these pursuits provided him many perfect days, which could only be surpassed if family or friends accompanied him. One of his proudest moments was competing in the three-mile Alcatraz Sharkfest Swim nine months after undergoing major surgery. Mark was also passionate about classic hot rods. He accomplished his goal of building his "cancer car", a 1923 Dodge Hemi Roadster, in memory of his personal journey and those of his father, George Olson, and brother Mike Olson. This project provided a positive outlet to help him cope with his illness. While building his hot rod, Mark developed supportive and lasting friendships with members of the Reedley Nomad's Car Club. Mark felt blessed to have these last several years to enjoy his family and to continue living life to its fullest. Mark is preceded in death by his father; and his brother Mike. The family would like to express their appreciation for the caring support given by Dr. Michael Moffett and his staff at Cancer Care Associates, Dr. Rabi Kundu, Hinds Hospice, and friend, Sharon Kaprielian. He is survived by his wife, Patti Shamoon Olson; daughters, Alissa and Jocelyn; mother, Patricia Olson; brother, Greg Olson and his wife Janell, and their children Paul, Josh and Daniel; sister, Johanna Olson Alexander and her husband Timothy; sister-in-law, Nancy Olson and her children Nathanael, Jonathan, Priscilla, Timothy, Benjamin, Samuel, Suzanna, Josiah, and Zachariah; sister-in-law, Sharon Shamoon and her children Stephanie and Adam; and nephew, Charles Shamoon. The Memorial Service will be held at the Dinuba Presbyterian Church on Friday, July 1, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Reedley Cemetery.The Reedley Nomad's Car Club is providing a festive gathering to celebrate Mark's life at Rod Harm's home, (6839 S. Buttonwillow Ave., Reedley) beginning on Friday, July 1, 2011, at 5:30 p.m. All friends and family are cordially invited. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to PMP Pals, c/o G. Graham, P.O. Box 6384, Salinas, Ca. 93912 (a cancer support organization).