Arvil J. Olson

Arvil was a very special person, he lived his life by the adage of "I'm Third" First comes God, second comes others, and me I'm third.

During his years at C.S. McCrossan he hired literally hundreds of people that continued in the construction industry for the rest of their working life. He felt that a days work deserved a days pay. He expected us to be on time, he tought us that sometimes you have to give before you get. He lead by example, he didn't expect you to do anything he wouldn't do himself. He bid and negociated work for the company, he held offices in associations, and he was respected by the agencies the company worked for and was known as an honest man. And yet, he could come out on the job and work shoulder to shoulder with the crew. Arvil gave us a chance to succeed, and I for one will always remember that.

Arvil had an amazing memory, over the years I worked with him I have seen him make hundreds of phone calls from memory. He could give directions to a work site that we had not worked at for several years. He seemed to neve forget a face or a name.

Arvil always had a smile on his face, ala Rudyard Kipling, he could meet with triumph or disaster and treat those two imposters yet the same. Under the worst of conditions he always kept his dignity, he could get mad, and you knew it, but he never showed it. He didn't expect respect he earned it.

On the lighter side I will tell you that Arvil was a world class finger puller. Many a day someone would come into the office to stretch their arm across the counter to pull fingers. He had huge hands and large fingrs, they would lock fingers, Arvil would smile and say ok, pull. I have never seen him loose.

Arvil loved his God, he loved his family, and all people and things on earth. Arvil, you made this world a better place to live, and it's going to miss you Swede.

What a 'Dear Man', Arvil was! He'll be missed by his family and SO MANY FRIENDS! I can't help but think of the reunion, in Glory, with Jim, Doug & Florence, Chas & Mae and many others from Crystal & 'Up North'
Praying the Lord will give you Peace and comfort in the days ahead. HE IS ABLE !!

I just heard about Arvil's passing yesterday afternoon. I had no idea he'd been ill. I was saddened deeply because I'll miss him. I didn't see Arvil often, but anytime I did it was if it had been only yesterday that we had last talked. He had a warmth that made me feel all was right with the world and I cherished the moments we talked.

The last time I saw him, he was driving a bus and helping senior citizens get to their doctor appointments; sort of an oxymoron. I never imagined Arvil thinking of himself as a senior citizen. He always seemed more about what he could do for others. His kindness will live on in the folds of my heart; mine to treasure forever and to take out and relive again as if it was just yesterday.

Esther, I know you realize you were blessed to have spent so much time with Arvil. You were also what helped make him the man he became. Lean on your sisters and daughters, but mostly trust the Lord will carry you through the valleys, for surely they lie ahead.

When my mother passed, she told me, "Whenever you think of me, it is because I will be trying to connect with you." That has given me great peace. I pass it forward for what it's worth.

God bless the entire family and extended family members during this celebration of Arvil's phenomenal life.

Arvil was such a wonderful man, always had a nice smile and a kind word. We were Blessed to have known him and Esther. WE know he is with Jesus and we will see him again some day.Our Loving Sympathy goes out to Esther and her family. Love, Ben & Arlene Nesland

What a godly man he was. He and his wife were our youth leaders at Crystal Free church before John & I were married.
He was also very instrumental in getting John a good job at McCrossan's where he worked until we moved to Phoenix in 1966.
He will be missed by all.
But he will be spending Christmas with his Lord.