Happy Birthday, brother. Miss you.
Michael

I can't believe it has been eight years since we heard your voice and felt the warmth of your touch. So much has passed since that day--the loss of a son and your beloved wife who followed you into the afterlife. Eight years, and yet I still remember you like it was yesterday.

Jeannie Liao and I were remembering some of the wonderful years at USA camps recently and your name came up...we both believe your energy and infectious laugh are still with us and remind us to live a life of love and giving.

Miss you as do many others Ron.

Happy Birthday! Miss you bro.

Ron, we miss your wonderful smile and huge heart! Thanks for the gifts of love and kindness you shared with all those who knew you. P.S. Jackie Byers is thinking of you too!

Miss you brother. Can't believe it has been five years since we were together, sharing stories and laughs, reminiscing about family gatherings and summer camps. You would have enjoyed the USA 70th Reunion--you were very present through the relationships you nurtured and the powerful business you helped to build. Thanks for all your love. I feel it today.

As each year passes I continue to miss our many hours shared in family history research. That will never change. I am so appreciative of those shared experiences. Betty Boyd

Seems impossible 4 years have passed Ron. As each year has passed...no words could adequately describe the loss I have felt. How I have missed our many many notes and conversations about family history. Sharing stories and information was always a joy...and our special discoveries were an exciting reward for our many hours of searching efforts. We enjoyed a several decade genealigy Easter egg hunt. That time spent researching has allowed me to take my grandchildren on meaningful history trips east. Wonderful memories. History comes alive when you know your family's link to events. Thanks for our friendship.
Betty

Still think of you and we all miss and love you. A wonderful man taken away from us too soon. His: warmth, generosity, smile and contributions live on.
The Kresses' would love to have Jo/Family meet up with us soon.
Love,
Monica

Ron,
Your smile and light still bring joy to me. You were a star to so many of us. That star will shine brightly forever, to all the lives you touched. Miss you.

Ron IS a light in all the lives he touched. He was always so encouraging and positive. It was infectious. He was truly a gift to all who were blessed to call him a friend. God speed by friend...your light shines on through all those whose lives you were able to touch. Cheers!

Always in our hearts!

As the year comes to a close, one often pauses to reflect on the past. In going through some old things, I came across a "participant pass" to a 49er's game almost 30 years ago. It brought back memories of Ron, known to me as Edward's father all throughout my youth.

Ron had a great inventiveness. I will always remember the worlds smallest "penny farthing" bicycle that Ron made by modifying a tricycle for little Annie. She was riding that bike before most kids her age were riding tricycles.

Ron was a great story teller. I will never forget going on the trips to the cabin in Mendocino and the stories he would tell in the evening. Just scary enough to keep us kids interested, but not scary enough to give us nightmares.

And I remember Ron from AYSO soccer, where he pushed us to be better but always in a positive way.

Although I have lost touch with the Olmstead family in recent years, I will always remember Ron as an important part of shaping my childhood that will stay with me forever. Thank you, Ron.

Just a reminder that we will be having an informal celebration of Ron's life tomorrow from 12pm-3pm at the Mitchell Park Community Center on Middlefield Rd. in Palo Alto tomorrow, Sunday, May 30th. 
Come join us for a little lunch and story telling. 
All are welcome.

I wrote to Bob and Phoebe McFarlane, who knew our dad and mom in the late 1960's, in Palo Alto.
Bob McFarlane sent this very nice reply...

"Thank you very much for your note and photos. They brought back many memories. Your Dad was a very good friend and we had many interests in common. Both of our boys played in the American Youth Soccer group in Palo Alto in about 1967 through 1970, just before we moved to Saudi Arabia. I assume you did as well.

I remember very well a fishing trip your Dad, myself and another friend from Stanford, Bill Christie made to the Sierras sometime in the late 1960's. I think your Dad had a new car and we drove it on the trip. Just above Sonora, on the way to the pass, Bill Christie, who was driving, took a curve too fast and we headed off the road. The area was full of ravines and one large canyon and I was sure we were all going to all die and as the final thoughts of my life were flying through my head the only thing that came out was, "Oh shit!". However we didn't get hurt although we tore up your Dad's car and it had to be towed back to Sonora at about 10pm. We managed to find a hotel room for the night and after calming down a bit went to sleep.

In the morning we arranged for the car to be fixed in Sonora and then thought to ourselves that since we couldn't do too much else there we had only two alternatives. One to return to Palo Alto and the second to rent a car and continue on with our trip. We chose the second and had a great time fishing near Mammoth Lakes on the Eastern slope of the Sierra. We returned to Palo Alto in the rental car and after your Dad's car was fixed I rode with him to pick it up and return home.

At no time during the trip did your Dad get upset. He just figured we were all lucky to escape injury and never blamed Bill for his driving. I might have. That was very typical of your Dad. He was a very good friend that I liked to associate with and was extremely easy to get along with.

We won't be able to attend the remembrance affair in Palo Alto since we will be attending the college graduation of one of our grandsons in Virginia. However please add our blessings for your Dad to the others and know that he was a wonderful friend of both of us.

Bob and Phoebe McFarlane"

I wrote to my Aunt Connie, up in Canada, regarding dad's passing away. This was her reply...

"I was saddened to receive your message of your Dad's passing Ed. I am sorry that I never had the pleasure of meeting him. Aunt Beulah always spoke so highly of Ron and I know he will be missed by his family.
Love,
Connie"

Ron, my dear brother-in-law, was such a delight! We had many fun visits and phone-talks-- he had so many amazing stories and such wit and insight. And kindness. And generosity of spirit. And good humor. I loved his laugh- all the Olmstead brothers share that particular laugh- but Ron was the original . Doug and I will miss him very much.  Margy Olmstead

We will have a Celebration of Life for Ron on Sunday, May 31st from Noon to 3pm at the Mitchell Park Community Center at 3700 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto. We will have lunch and share stories. Bring any photos or memorabilia that you would like to display. Casual dress. 
RSVP to: Ed Olmstead, denna2000@sbcglobal.net  510-535-1699

Ron will always be a brother-in-law to me even though he's my brother-in-law's brother. That is how fond I will always be of Ron. When I would see Ron at family holidays and gatherings, he made me feel like immediate family and special. He was always: soft spoken, kind, funny, upbeat (No matter what life was throwing at him), a great conversationalist and avid listener. He gave great hugs too! My only regret was not having more time with Ron. I will miss Ron and his wonderful/warm smile. You will always be loved! Love, Monica (Mo)

"Imagine," if only every family had a Ron. The consummate family-man, mentor, educator, confidant and champion. I will forever regret not spending more time with him. I so loved his stories...

A very special life has passed from our sight…but never from our hearts. Cousin Ron will always be remembered as such a kind, fun, knowledgeable, and family man…one who always went out of his way to keep in touch. We will miss his phone calls and visiting with him at family gatherings. And to his family, please know that our hearts are with you and how much we care. Love, Jean and family

I would just like to express my condolences to the family. I knew Ron through providing bands etc. for the Spirit Camps for a few years. He was a very nice guy and The Olmsteads, were great clients.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and I am so sorry for your loss.
Read

Ron was a very important family member to me in that he showed me what it meant to be family. The way that he would call and be interested in what I was doing, or come to my soccer games and support me when he had time, not only meant a lot to me, but also proved that you didn't have to live with someone, or talk to someone everyday to show them that you cared; just knowing he was there when I needed him was enough. Ron changed me with the presence and energy he had in my life. I, and the people who were lucky enough to have him support them, will miss him dearly. Alys Olmstead

I have so many fond memories of Ron. I always appreciated his ready smile, thoughtful style and kindness. I looked forward to seeing him at family gatherings and hearing his stories. He was always warm and friendly. I will miss him dearly. My heart goes out Jo, his children, grandchildren and all family members. He will be truly missed. Much love to you from Stephanie and family