Posted by Tim Mitchell on February 22, 2001:

I just returned from Rob's hometown of Big Falls, Minnesota and no greater eulogy can be given to Rob and his impact on the lives of others than the tremendous turnout at his funeral. Big Falls has a population of 384- and it seemed that everyone in the town went to the funeral. Everyone I talked with either personally knew Rob or knew of him and his accomplishments. In addition, the number of active and former military friends who made the long trek to Big Falls was nothing but impressive. Ranging from his friends as a cadet at West Point to a captain who worked with him in Hawaii, there were officers and former officers from all of Rob's past and current assignments present. (The strong presence of the military contingent at Rob's funeral made an impact on me- and made an even stronger impact on the community of Big Falls.) Even one of Minnesota's senators, Senator Paul Wellstone, unescorted and without fanfare, made the trip to Big Falls to pay his respect to Rob. It was clear to all present that Rob Olson was a special person. In closing, I would just like to say that I think Dave Duffy said it best: I am proud to say that Rob Olson called me his friend. Rob, we will miss you. God bless. Tim Mitchell

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