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Tuesday, May 3, 2011

RIP: Howard D. Olsaver, 1939-2011

 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews


 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews


Our friend Howard died on April 11, 2011 at the age of 72.  His memorial service was held at the American Legion Post 45 in La Pine, Oregon last Sunday, May 1.

Born in Vermont in 1939, Howard married young and has a daughter named Laurie.  Leading a colorful life, Howard and his wife divorced and Howard lost touch with his family.  Eventually, he made his way to the West Coast and ended up moving to La Pine.  There, he met his wife Jodie and her two children, Becky and Brett.  They were married for around ten years, before Jodie died of lung cancer.

Cary had known Howard for years, and Howard worked for La Pine Redi Mix way back when, and then more recently as our security guy and "Office Manager".  Howard was a good friend to us, and he also was known around our house as "Uncle Howard", as he house sat for us and watched the dogs when we were gone.  By trade, Howard was a plumber, maintenance man and also did excavation work.

Over the past year, Howard's health declined and he developed lung cancer in addition to his COPD.  He moved to the Prairie House assisted living complex in La Pine.  Howard was a member of the American Legion and drove their van for them, and also helped by answering the phone when he was there.

Howard's memorial service was well attended. We are all going to miss you, Howard.  I have posted a few pictures of his family here, but please check out the slide show for many more.


Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
The pictures that Becky and I pulled together.  We are sending some of them to Howard's sister in Vermont.


Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
Becky and her sweet family.


 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews
Cary visits with Jodie's brother Bob, and his wife Joyce.


Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

This is Mike, his friend who drove 
Howard to his radiation treatments.


 Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy ~ Kathy Matthews

My best friend husband Cary and me.







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3 comments:

  1. BECKYMay 3, 2011 at 5:23 AM

    Hi Kathy. What a nice tribute to yours and Cary's friend.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oregon Gifts of Comfort and JoyMay 3, 2011 at 6:51 AM

    Thank you, Becky.

    ReplyDelete
  3. LynnMay 3, 2011 at 8:11 PM

    Sorry about your friend Kathy. That was a nice post. You're so sweet.

    ReplyDelete

I sincerely appreciate your comments! If you don't see your comment posted immediately, don't worry. I have comment moderation on here to help filter out spam. It will become visible as soon as I read it, and I do that several times daily. It just seems easier than using the word verification option. I am so sorry, but I am not accepting anonymous comments at this time. You can email me at: oregongiftsofcomfortandjoy@hotmail.com and I will happily add your comment to this post. Thank you so much! ~ Kathy M.