Bio of Don Olsen

Family: Married to Brenda Holt. We have five children: Randy 26, Gary 24, Walter 22, Melissa 20 and Scott 15. My wife Brenda also served in the mission, returning in April 1975. Our oldest three sons have all gone on missions-- to Sweden, The Phillippines, and Korea and all got their Eagle Scout award (hey, you said to brag). Two oldest sons married, Walter getting married in November. Randy graduated U of U in May 2003, Melissa from BYU Idaho in April 2003. Gary and Walter attend BYU. No grandchildren yet (no rush either).

Church: Elders quorum, bishopric, choir director, clerk. I currently teach seminary. Brenda works in the nursery-- all of her callings have involved working either with young women or kids. Education: Masters degree from BYU in 1978. Work: CPA, partner in local firm last 10 years. "Taxes are my life". Brenda works part time as a special ed teacher aide for the school district. Hobbies: Music, reading, sports, golf. Community service: Rotary, Swim team board, Little league board.

Comps: Cliff Ker, Jerry Murtishaw, Pat Prinster, Octavio Gomez, Filemon Alfaro, Jim Tehero, Dale Nelson, Robert Worthen, Raymond Race, Larry Manning, John Morgan, Tom King. (Only names I can remember without digging up my journal). Areas served: Comayaguela, Honduras; La Ceiba, Honduras; Mission office (twice); David, Panama; Managua, Nicaragua. Dichos: "Vamonos pues nosotros"-- we say that around the house all the time, leaving the "s" off like the Nicaraguans do. Going "ch--ch" to get someone's attention-- everybody knows it's us when they hear that.

When we left the mission in 1975, there were no stakes-- and the mission covered all 4 countries. Today, there's 9 stakes I think, 5 missions or so, and temples in Costa Rica and Panama. It had to be a once in a lifetime experience to serve in a mission where a "transfer" meant you were most likely going to another country. And, considering the growth of the Church since we left, I'd like to think we planted lots of seeds.