Randy OLSON

1943 - 2023

A very special man, Randy Grant Olson, age 79, of Spokane Valley was escorted to heaven by the Angels on January 11, 2023. He was a treasured husband, brother, uncle, and friend to all. Randy was born September 16, 1943, in Ogden, Utah, to Audrey and Grant Olson but his "real dad" was Oliver Baird, his stepdad whom he always treasured and who raised him. At age 18 Randy joined the Air Force where he met his wife of 57 plus years, Sally. He just recently received his Vietnam Pin from the VA. It was discovered while in the military that he was losing his hearing and was offered a medical discharge. His response was "I signed up for 4 years, I will serve my country for 4 years!" That's just how he was. Dedicated to every purpose. That dedication took him to Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. here in Spokane, where he worked for 34 years. He loved his job as a syrup maker (or Brewmaster as he called himself) telling people he knew all the secret recipes. He made some lifelong friends there. That being said, Randy liked everyone and could find fault in very few. He was slow to anger and quick to smile. He loved doing things for his friends and anyone who needed help. This was evident in his volunteer work. He worked at the Habitat for Humanity Store for 5 years and the Catholic Charities Christmas Bureau for 13 years where he made even more friends. He loved the smiles on the children's faces as they chose their toys each Christmas. He said it

made him feel like Santa. He loved his fellow volunteers and coordinators too. Randy was an avid golfer and a member of the Liberty Lake GC "Over the Hill Gang" for nearly 20 years.

Four of which he served both as Vice President and President. Again many friends. One recently described him as "the best person I've ever known". Randy loved God and his church, Valley Assembly of God where he ushered for 17 years. Again made many friends and loved the Pastors. He was involved in many projects there as well. Randy and wife Sally were not blessed with children but loved everybody else's. They traveled twice a year to the Oregon Coast which they loved. Also many fun trips for Cross Country Skiing. Randy was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 2005 and with the grace of God and the help of Dr. Craig Whiting, PA Lou Koncz, Dr. Jay Whitttenkeller, and staff fought the good fight for 17 years!

But became battle weary at last. He had a great "never give up or give in" attitude in all he did.

He will be so deeply missed by his soul mate and wife Sally, brother Garey Olson, Nephew Brett Olson, wife Brandy, niece, Holly Jenkins, Heidi Tevald, and Carey Nichols. And his friends that had become family, Ron and Sybil Brennecke, Bill and Judy McDonald, Ron and Becky Waybright, and many others.

Per Randy to all: "I will always love you all. Not 'goodbye' but 'so long for now' until we meet again in heaven at the feet of Jesus".

A Celebration of Life Memorial is planned for February 10, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. This will take place at Valley Assembly of God Church: 15618 E. Broadway, Spokane Valley, WA.