I wish I had a photo I could share....unfortunately they are all in my memory😢Bryan was my second grade crush, my high school boyfriend and ultimately my first love!  I loved cheering him on in his baseball and basketball games, hiking, bike rides and was even willing to listen to Jimmy Hendricks with him!  Bryan made me a better person because he was kind and good to everyone he met.  I think of him often and feel comfort in knowing he is free and is finally home!!  I will never forgot Bryan and all of our memories together❤️My Heartfelt Sympathy goes out to Bryan’s Family and Loved ones!!  He will Always have a Special Place in My Heart!!  Love You Bryan!

Two words come to mind when I think of Bryan. Purple Haze. He wrote the entire Jimmy Hendrix song in my senior yearbook.  Such a kind soul and a terrific athlete. You are free again Bryan to hit those homeruns  and dunk the ball. Love you my friend. ❤️

I would like to share a little story about Brian. In the 6th grade Brian and I were paired up for the presidents physical fitness challenge. I had a very embarrassing thing happen that no one knew about but Brian. As we all know a 6th grader....that would have been a prime opportunity to make fun. Brian not only kept it to himself, he gave me a reassuring look that eased my panic. That moment has and will always remain a reminder to me that there are pure souls among us. Rest easy Brian and peace to his family. ❤️

I met Bryan on the first day of kindergarten when we were forced to sit together on the bus.  It was the start of one of the best friendships of my life.  Bryan and I shared all of the events that young boys experience - and he was simply the best of the best.  Always a great athlete, always a smart student, always a good person.  O (a nickname that Rock and I gave him) was simply the role model that we never knew we had.  Always kind, always nice, always positive.. he was my first true friend and I miss those days.  I know that the physical form that has held him so many years is now gone and he is free.  I wish peace and comfort to his family -please know that so many of us hold Bryan so close to our hearts and are thinking of all of you.

Bryan was a great baseball player, but also extremely kind. When I first moved to Hermantown, I met Bryan as he was on my little league team. I didn't yet have many friends, and quite honestly wasn't a very good baseball player. But Bryan didn't think twice about pairing up with me at practice, and playing down at my level. Knowing him through grade school and high school, I never saw him treat anyone else any differently. He was a genuinely kind and caring person to everyone. 

I'm sure this isn't news to his family, but I wanted to reinforce just how special a person Bryan was.  Even though I've lived away from Minnesota for nearly 30 years, I haven't forgotten my first experience with Bryan.  I'd like to express my sincerest condolences to his family. He was a truly special person.

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Scott (Teri) Ollila

Brenda (Charles) Palokangas

Shari (Chris Chapman) Ollila

Bryan is also survived by his nieces, Brittany (Jeremiah) Schubitzke, Claire (Brent) Isaacs, Jordyn (Nicholas) Aho, and Eryn Ollila; nephews, Ty, Mac, and Will Palokangas; great-niece, Macy and great-nephews, Alex and Luke.

OBITUARY

Bryan J. Ollila

February 4, 1969 – August 16, 2018

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