Russell Bertil Olson-Hedglin

At age 16, he was diagnosed with heart failure (on 5/10/17) and given about two years to live. The Lord gave him an extra year.

Russell was an exuberant and joyful little boy who never met a stranger. He loved to talk to everyone. Though school wasn’t really his forte, he had a very curious and creative mind. He was sweet, kind, sensitive, caring, and silly.

Russell aspired to be in the military, but after a fantastic Make-A-Wish trip in April 2019 to go deep-sea fishing in Key West, Florida, he decided he wanted to become a chef and live on a boat in Florida.

He loved fishing, camping, and summer camps in Wyoming with the youth group at Denver First Church, as well as several mission trips. Russell liked to cook and especially loved computer games and his big dog Tyler.

His passing leaves a hole in our hearts, but as he told many people over the past three years, he wasn’t afraid of dying because he knew he was going to Heaven.

Russell leaves his mom Jan, dog Tyler, Aunt Lynda Prickett, mother Erika Olson (Alabama), cousins, as well as many dear friends, including Claire, his Make-A-Wish angel, and his care team from Kids Care of the Rockies Hospice. Jenn, Faith, Amanda, Shannon, Ginny, Kelly, Jenny and Ethan.

Donations may be made in Russell’s memory to the Make-A-Wish Colorado, 7951 E. Maplewood Avenue, #126, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.OlingerHampdenMortuary.com for the Olson family