It was no surprise to Bob that his heart would do him in. He faced
his final days surrounded by his family: his wife, Deb; his children,
Emily, Josh and his wife, Autumn, Geoff and his wife, Natalie, and
their children, Frank, Hattie and Delilah; his sister, Kathy, and her
daughter, Morgan; and his brother, Eric. We were by his side, sharing
photos, his recent sketches and memories of our adventures
together.
As a man mindful of life’s transient nature,
he considered these past 30 years as “bonus years.” His
focus was on time spent raising his children, enjoying his three
grandkids, skiing on- and off-piste, fishing (but not always
catching), and building a much-loved business in the outdoor
industry. Bob and Deb enjoyed many trips with families and friends
during their 36 years together.
It was just like Bob to
call and write to his closest friends to say goodbye, as if this
final adventure were just that — an adventure.
He will
be missed in his favorite places in the woods, on the slopes and in
the rivers. If there is thigh-deep powder or a stream teeming with
fish in the great beyond, we will never know because if you knew Bob,
you’d know he isn’t sharing.
The family will hold
private celebrations in the places Bob loved.
In lieu of
condolences, the next time you’re out in the woods, please remember
Bob in his element, whooping down the hidden glades or pulling in the
ever-elusive fish.
This article appears in Dec 13-19, 2023.
My brother Clarke and I don’t remember meeting Bob Olsen because our families lived next door to each other in Essex Junction before we were five years old. In the manner of baby boomer kids from the early 50s, we ranged far and wide in the neighborhood with few restrictions other than to return home for dinner. My family moved to Burlington but the friendships remained.
I recall that Bob drew a map of the Long Trail and taped it together and pinned it to the the wall in his bedroom from floor to ceiling. On that map, footsteps were drawn, tracing his path up the wall. You could tell that his mind was outdoors, doing things.
Bob and my brother Clarke hiked the Long Trail together on many occasions. Later in high school and at UVM Bob and I and others climbed rock and ice routes in Vermont, New Hampshire and New York. Along with several friends, we took climbing trips to The Tetons and Yosemite.
Later Clarke worked for Bob at Peregrine for years and their friendship endured.
The bonds of friendship, while stretched by time, distance and infirmity, remain powerful. Bob was a leader and to me, an icon. His friendships ranged broadly, and his love of family was obvious to all. In more recent years we reminisced about climbing, travels and though communications via email were just a few times a year, I will surely miss those chats.
I extend my sincere condolences to Bobs family and friends. Bob, friend, I will miss you.