Erik Paul Olson passed away peacefully in his sister’s arms the morning of Aug. 22 after a brief battle with cancer.
Erik was born in Lewistown MT on 9-30-66 to the proud parents of Norman and Nancy Olson. His first and best memories from his early childhood was living in Big Sky. Here he developed a deep love for the outdoors, which would lead to his College degree in Fish and Wildlife Biology from Montana State University.
He was raised in Colstrip MT. where he developed into a fine and quiet young man. He learned the values of the true meaning of friendship that lasted throughout his life. With great admiration, his friends came through for him and were there for him in the end.
Erik entered the Army National Guard the year after graduating from High School. He was deployed several times to Iraq and Saudi Arabia. During his military service, as Security Patrol, he received the Marksman Badge, Expert Badge with Hand Grenade, Southwest Asia Service medal W/2 Bronze Service Stars, and the Kuwait Liberation medal. He spoke with pride of his unit and the service he was devoted to. It was a very sad day for him when his Unit was disbanded because there is no connection like you have when you are in the military. You become family.
After his Unit disbanded Erik moved to Wilsonville OR to become a long time employee of Rite-Aide. Once again, Erik developed a close relationship with members of his team. As a matter of fact, he and a friend from Rite Aide took a magnificent trip to Japan. It was one of his most memorable moments in life.
Erik we are so glad you came home for this incredible last month. Your bucket list was fulfilled and we are so thankful we got the chance to be a part of it and make it happen for you. We are all amazed at your tenacity to be so strong through it all. Your living in the moment will have a lasting impact on all of us.
Erik is preceded in death by his Mom Nancy Olson and his Sister Lisa Olson.
Erik leaves behind his cherished family: Father Norman Olson, Brother Kirk (Judy) Olson, Sister Kristi (Andrew) Rudolph, Sister Janet (Grant) Wacker, His amazing Nephews Alex Rudolph and Tristan Olson, His strong Nieces Eryn Rudolph, and Briana Rudolph, Uncle Paul Wiedeman , Cousin Rick (Terry) Wiedeman, Cousin Tara (Jeff) Fuller.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
11:00 AM
Tuesday August 28, 2018
Colstrip Cemetery
Colstrip, Montana 59323
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
11:00 AM
Tuesday August 28, 2018
Colstrip Cemetery
Colstrip, Montana 59323
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Donna McCulloch says
I was saddened to hear about Eric’s passing. I remember him when he was in high school, always such a nice kid. May your precious memories help you through this time of sorrow. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Irene Nelson says
Prayers for your family during this difficult time. Peace be with you.
Deborah Olson says
Norm, Kirk and Kristi
We were so sorry to hear about Erik.
I’m so glad you were all together his last month, that’s so important.
I will always remember Erik at my mom and dad’s sitting on the couch working his magic on a Rubik’s Cube and totally amazing me and telling me it’s easy even you can do it. Well he soon found out that wasn’t true.
Memories good and bad will get you through. They will make you laugh and cry but they keep Erik in your heart always.
You are all in our thoughts.
Love you all,
Terry and Debbie Olson
Doran and Sandy says
Dear Norm, Kristy, Kirk and family. Please accept our sincerest apologies as we will not be able to attend the service for Erik. We will be with you all in thought and prayer. So sorry for your loss.
Melissa Little Bird & Family says
To the family of Erik sending prayers and condolences to you at this time. I attending Colstrip High School with Erik, he was always so quiet and kind. Sorry for your loss.
Vicki and Mark Stevens says
Kristi, Norm and Kirk,
A dear friend of mine said to me that future hope often does not relieve present grief. So true, but do hold on to that hope (knowledge!) of our future everlasting life with our Lord, the one on whom we will count to comfort you at this so very difficult time. Know that we hold you gently in our thoughts and prayers.
catherine sopher says
101 canyon rd
Karen Woods says
Have such good memories of Erik as a little boy in my Sunday School class at the Presbyterian Church in Butte, Montana. He was such a cute, sweet boy with a very endearing smile. Later was able to share time living in Colstrip. My deepest condolences to the family. His mom was so dear also.
Russ and Darla Davidson says
Erik…Lisa is been giving you the grand tour and I know she, Nancy and Josh are all welcoming you home….Darla and I extend to Norm Kristi and Kirk our most sincere and and deepest condolences!
Doug & Debbie Skiles says
Norm, Kristi and Kirk,
So sorry for your loss. Eric was a nice person growing up. Our thoughts and prayers to your family.
Tom & Robin Shahan says
We were saddened to hear of Erik’s passing. All of your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dave and Mary Jenaen says
Our thoughrs and prayers are with you during this time. Hold onto your wonderful memories.
Larry & Joanne Schrupp says
Norm, Kristi, Kirk & family,
Erik was a dear and special friend to us and we are so sorry to hear of his passing. Many fun and special memories are connected to him. I am smiling right now thinking about them. Our hearts ache for your loss. I know he is being loved on by his mom and sister…a joyous reunion. May you be blessed with peace and comforted by faith and friends and family.
Larry & Joanne Schrupp
Gary & Bo Lyon says
We are very saddened to hear about Erik’s passing.. He was a very special part of our lives and he lives of our 3 daughters. Starting as a teen Erik became a true friend as the years passed. Him and Brady even came by after leaving Colstrip to visit us. We had a very awesome group going and I think of those times often. Prayers for the whole Olson family..you are all very dear in our hearts! May God comfort you with His love & grace. Nancy and Lisa were waiting with open arms for Erik. He will always be remembered and I will always cherish those memories! My little brother Berkey and him are probably rolling the dice again! RIP our friend…Love always..Bo & Gary Lyon
Mike and joy Enterline says
To the Olson family, we are so saddened to hear this news. We send our condolences to your family and our thoughts and prayers
Dennis and Diane Hubbard says
Norm and Family,
We send our condolences to you and your family at this sad time.
Ginny Koczur says
I was fortunate to be able to spend time with Erik when he lived in Nevada near my daughter. He was always so kind and thoughtful. I am sorry for your loss.
Kirk Olson says
My family would like to extend a thank you for all of the condolences, visits, thoughts, prayers and messages. They truly help in the dark hours. We miss Erik deeply and to those that took the time to get to know him surely know how loyal his heart was to those he loved. He will remain an inspiration to us when we face difficult times and in time…..will again put smiles on our faces as we remember him. Thank you for your kindness…….The Olson Family!