My Dad, Richard A. Olson, passed away today at 5:20 PM CST. It was not unexpected, as advanced colon cancer has few options for survival. We did SO much together, he and I, that it would be impossible to describe all here. I can't imagine anyone having a better father.
I played guitar this morning, at the funeral of Penny Marlow (sister-in-law of my best friend.) Penny was killed in an auto accident last Sunday and I really wanted to be a part of the service as she was my friend too. It was a beautiful and emotional funeral service. Before the service, I was told my Dad was given only a couple hours to live. But He allowed me enough time to play for Penny's funeral and then drive 60 miles north to be with him. My brother and I were with him holding his hands when he died.
I picture here the very first two monster items I ever had. Given to me by my Dad. With love.
This battered Aurora Wolf Man was my choice at an Edina, Minnesota hobby shop in 1962 (There was Frankenstein, Dracula, or Wolf Man~ I could only have one kit since they were 98 cents each). My Dad said I could open the kit in the car. As my Mother and Brother slept in the back seat, I sat up front with my Dad as we drove home that night (about a 4 hour trip). I carefully opened the kit, smelling the fresh Aurora plastic and scanning the box contents with a flashlight, very excited with my new treasure. My Dad told me about the Wolf Man as he drove. He had seen the Wolf Man movies as a kid and described how a strange flower caused a scientist to become the Wolf Man and how he had a big battle with Frankenstein. Obviously, my Dad was mixing two different Universal pictures into one but he was enthusiastic and I loved listening to his tales of the Wolf Man all the way home.
This Castle of Frankenstein #2 is my first monster magazine. My Dad purchased it at small corner grocery in town while he was buying a box of donuts and a can of coffee for his gas station. He gave it to me as soon as he got back to the station. I had mentioned how great it was seeing some monster magazines that my new best friend (Bob Driscoll) showed me and how I wished I had one. My Dad heard my plea and came through~and started me on a long journey of monster collecting.
The picture is my Dad at 20 years old in 1947.
Love you, Dad. And I miss you very, very much right now.
Your son
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg232/mnroo/IMG_58051.jpg)
Richard, you have my deepest sympathies and condolences. This must be a very difficult time, but the memories you shared and the many more you have will keep your father and your friend Penny alive in you. People always say, "if there's anything I can do to help..." well, I'm saying it to you and I mean it. If I can do anything to help you through, please let me know.
So sorry to hear of the death of your Father, Richard, you have my sincere condolences. This is a very tough time of year to lose a parent. I lost my Mom seven years ago on December 8 (my birthday), and it still feels like it just happened yesterday. Ironically, there are times that she feels closer to me now than when she was actually here in the flesh.
The connection you have with your Dad and your childhood passion for movie monsters is precious and wonderful. I hope you find some comfort in the fact that we, your brothers and sisters, are thinking of you at this very difficult time.
Peace and love to you, Richard.
Richard, I'm very sorry for your loss. A very touching post you have made, and photo you have posted, and I think that we all have gained some appreciation for who he was, and what he meant to you. You and your family will be in my thoughts.
Richard,
Sorry to hear about your Dad. He was special as a Monster Dad because not only did he start and foster your love of monsters, but unlike most parents, didn't make you chuck those precious items when you got older. That is why your collection is what it is today. Not only is it your collection, but it a tribute to you and your dad, and the special bond and relationship that you shared. Even though most of us never met him, we are saddened by the loss of such a man.
Rob
My heartfelt thoughts & prayers go out to you & your family. Please try your best to go forward, knowing how blessed you are to have this great man as a father.
Richard, I pray God will give you peace throughout this time. Thanks for sharing those wonderful memories about your Dad.
Mike
My friend Richard,
I'm terribly sad for your loss and wish I could take some of your heartache. Please accept my condolences and know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
You probably have a little running around to do, please be careful in this horrid blizzard.
Mental Monster hug, Paul
My condolences during this difficult time, Richard.
George
Dear Richard--My heart aches for you and your family. Know that you have my sincere sympathy. Four years ago this past Thanksgiving you comforted me when I lost my mom--I wish I were not returning that favor so soon respecting you and your father. Your dad sounds like a great guy--you were a lucky kid to have a monster dad. After his final troubles here, we can take comfort in his rest now. I hope he's meeting his favorite movie stars right now and talking to them about his film-fan son.
richard,
you have my deepest sympathies.i know he is looking down on you and smiling as you share your monster memories.
Dear Richard,
Such a beautiful memorial for your father. It makes me think of my father and how he gave me my first two Aurora Monster kits - Creature and Wolf Man - and I understand what you mean. My deepest condolences for you at this difficult time. Here's wishing I could give you back one of those big monster hugs right now, my friend.
Andy
Richard,
I am so sorry to read of your loss. Losing a parent is a devastating thing, I know. I am so touched by your memorial to your father here. I am glad you are remembering those good times and I hope you can keep those close in your mind and heart.
Karen
Dear Richard,
My warmest sympathies on the loss of your father and your friend and thank you for that wonderful memory of your monster fan beginnings. I hope all of your many friends, here, bring you some small comfort today.
Richard, my heart is just broken hearing this news. Deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers from all of us.
Dear Richard-
My most heartfelt prayers for rest for your Dad, and comfort for his loved ones. Thank you for sharing the wonderful memories (oh, how I remember opening treasures in the car before getting home...)
It sounds like you were richly blessed.
The largest of monster hugs,
-Craig
My condolences, Richard. Your dad sounds like he was a great guy -- and a lot like mine, gone now for 16 years -- both in the service in the '40s and supportive and generous with the model kits and mags for their monster-crazed kid. Not everyone is lucky enough to have had a father like that. Not a day goes by that I don't think of my dad and feel his presence in my life. Cherish the memories and know he'll always be with you.
Richard,
Well, what else can i say that all my fellow members haven't already so eloquently voiced? Your wonderful memorial to your dad totally choked me up and brought back fond memories of my own father. Also a veteran of the Marines during WWII and would never say no when i spotted a monster mag or toy at the local stationery store every Sunday when we would go to pick up the newspaper together. My dad passed away back in '82, so i envy the long, loving relationship you had with yours. Happy to say my mom is 87 and lives here with us in her own apartment we added onto the house for her shortly after my dad passed. My kids [24 and 17] have had the unusual benefit of having a live-in grandparent their whole lives and have been enriched by the experience. For this i am thankful beyond words... My thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences are with you tonight, my friend. Wishing you strength and healing in the weeks and months to come.
Mike Gilks
Dear Richard, I am also sending you my condolences with a heavy heart. Your shared memories mean a lot to us all and like everyone here, I sincerely wish I could comfort you in person. It means a lot when someone shares pictures and stories that touch our hearts, but it means the world when you share them at a time like this. I wish you the best and hope that you can return to this board with more of your beautiful stories whenever you have time. You are in my thoughts this holiday season, dear friend. Charlotte
Very sorry to hear of this. Sounds like you'll have plenty of wonderful memories of your father. Thanks for sharing your very special "first monster stuff" story. Peace be with you.
Richard, I'm sorry to hear of your family's loss. May God Bless you and your family in getting through these difficult times.
Brian K
I am very sorry, Richard. Thank you for sharing those memories of your father.
So so sorry to hear this sad news, Richard. My thoughts and prayers are with you my friend. I echo much of what has been posted and wish I could give you one of your own famous monster hugs. Thank you for sharing your memories with us.
Richard sorry about your loss may your father rest in peace ................memories keep all of us going everyday..........big john ice
I am sorry for your loss Richard. My dad ignited and and kindled my Monster Kid flame too. He lives out in Missouri now, about 900 miles from here. Think I'll give him a call.
Oh Richard, what a clear and wonderful picture you have painted of your dad.
What a fine line a dad must walk between giving and teaching.
If he gives his son everything the boy learns nothing.
If he teaches him constantly and gives nothing the boy STILL learns nothing.
To know intuitively at which moment to give a gift so that it will have the greatest impact is clearly a talent your father possessed!
I know he taught you well because I know that, as a father, you are unequaled. Your wonderful daughters are a living testament to your father's love for you.
God Bless him, my dear friend. And God Bless and your family for continuing his love forward.
Richard, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Your Dad sounds like a great guy, I have many similar memories with my Dad, who luckily is still here.
Richard, just discovered your post and so sorry to hear about the loss of your DAD. So sorry for your loss! Our family's thoughts and prayers are with you!
Rick
Dear Richard. I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your dad must have been one heck of a guy (and father) to raise such a sweet and kind man like yourself. He did good .. very good.
Please call me anytime if you'd like to talk.