Dwight Olson
December 10, 1951 – July 11, 2018
Dwight Olson, 66, passed away Wednesday, July 11, 2018, in his home in Fruitland, Idaho. Dwight was born in Ontario, Oregon, on Dec. 10, 1951, the fifth of five children: Phyllis, Norman, Ardis and Glenda. He graduated from Ontario High School in 1970. His senior class voted him “Most Friendly.” Dwight was a kind and loving man, described as having a heart of gold, who tackled all with enthusiasm and zest.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Pauline Olson. Dwight is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughter, Sarah Olson Bradbury, son-in-law, Mark and their daughter, Avi; and daughter, Alyssa Olson.
Dwight met Barbara Brintnall when they were both freshmen at Northwest Christian College in Eugene. They married June 15, 1973 and just this year, celebrated 45 years together. Their life included so many blessings, especially their two loving daughters. Upon marriage, Dwight and Barbara moved to Athens, Georgia where Dwight earned his master’s degree in social work at the University of Georgia, and then a master’s of divinity from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dwight’s gifting to connect with people endeared him to all he met. His ministry began in Athens, Georgia, where he was a hospital chaplain, as well as an assistant minister and youth minister at the First Christian Church. Later in Illinois, as an interim minister; Dwight got his start in ministry through counseling. He was a natural counselor who served people both personally and professionally throughout his entire life. His most recent and longest tenure was serving as a hospice social worker and grief counselor at XL Hospice. Dwight and Barbara worked as owners and administrators of XL Hospice from 1999-2014. Dwight found great purpose in his work alongside his hospice teammates as they journeyed with families through some of the toughest times in life. His work in hospice was a natural outcome of Dwight’s faith and desire to serve people.
Dwight had many passions. Besides his love of family, he had a true gift for gardening and woodworking. That he loved gardening is an understatement. His garden was on the TVCC Foundation garden tour in 2017 at his home in Fruitland, Idaho. Other things a person might remember about Dwight are his smile, warm blue eyes, and his sense of humor. He loved traveling with Barbara, his daughters and family, to destinations far and wide including, Banff, Belize, the British Isles, the Mediterranean, Tofino, the San Juan Islands, Australia, New Zealand and Alaska.
Dwight was loved very much by his family and friends and will be sorely missed.
A service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, July 27, at First Church of the Nazarene, Ontario. There will also be a gathering of friends and family in Dwight’s garden from 3-5 p.m.
A special thanks to the entire team at Signature Hospice for all of the loving care. We are so grateful for your care and support through this most difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, because of Dwight and Barbara’s years in ministry, they wish for memorials to be made to TCM International Institute, PO Box 24560, Indianapolis, IN 46224.
DEATHS:
Steven Magedanz, 62, of Ontario, died July 2 at his home. Lienkaemper Chapel, Ontario.
Macario Romerio Luna, 15, of Nyssa, died July 4 in Nyssa. Lienkaemper Chapel, Nyssa.
Mary Laura Neighbors, 93, of Ontario, died July 12 at a Meridian Assisted Living Facility. Lienkaemper Chapel, Ontario.
Nellie Wahlert, 98, of Nyssa, died July 12 at a local assisted living facility. Lienkaemper Chapel, Ontario.
Alfredo Contreras, 94, of Ontario, died July 13 at his home. Lienkaemper Chapel, Ontario.
Kathleen Amanda Fennimore, 72, of Vale, died July 12 at a local hospital. Lienkaemper Chapel, Vale.
Ruth E. Cottrell, 93, of Nyssa died, July 13, at her home. Haren-Wood Funeral Chapel, Ontario Oregon.
Amos A. Freeman, 81, of Payette, died July 14 at his home. Haren-Wood Funeral Chapel, Payette.
LEARN HOW TO PLACE AN OBITUARY: Contact Autumn Butler, Enterprise office manager, at [email protected] or call 514-473-3377.