We just heard about Ren. We are so sorry to have not been there for you Suzie and your family. We will always remember the Halloween carving we did together every year with lots of cookies and just plain fun. And our BYU days together as neighbors. Please know how much we care for you and your family.

Mark and Nancy Gamett

Message from Louis Castle

January 29, 2013 1:45 PM

Although this is very late please accept my heartfelt condolences on your loss. Ren was one of the most talented fine artists I have known and more importantly, a very kind and generous soul.

Message from Eric Kearns

January 2, 2013 10:45 AM

I just found out about this terrible news today. I am shocked. I am deeply saddened to hear this and I am lucky my wife Brenda - who was also a friend of Ren's - found this page. Ren was my pal. A true and honest friend in every sense of the word. I first met him at Westwood Studios in Las Vegas. He was immediately one of the few people there who was a genuinely nice and easily approachable person. He was a regular stop for several of us each day at work. We used to draw wacky pictures on his white board and share stories. Too bad we had none as good as Ren's. He always had something cool to tell us and always made our day with some great insights or advice. I will miss him. He was a fantastic artist and a great person. Eric Kearns

Message from zelda shimada

July 23, 2012 10:42 AM

I grew up going to church with Ren - he was always so kind to everyone. I remember his art work and love looking at the website. He and I reconnected a few years ago - through Bonnie. I am so thankful for our friendship.
I am sorry for your loss, Brother Olsen, Bonnie and family, and Christian, and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Message from Cassie Telford McDaniel

July 19, 2012 11:05 AM

Uncle Ren, I'm going to miss you. I grew up looking at your art work and hearing about all the things that Rennie said and did. My mom worshipped you as a kid and loved you unconditionally as an adult. There's not a lot that she says about childhood that didn't include you in the story. I loved your sense of humor and my mom has the same. I'm not sure how you came about it--as it is nothing like your dad's. But I think maybe some of that must be from Grandma. I like to think mine is similar. I'm looking forward to seeing you again someday.

Message from Nancy Detro

July 17, 2012 5:14 AM

I grew up with Ren and his sister and since I had no brothers or sisters they were adopted by me. His family was a second family for me and I believe a path could probably be seen in the pavement as I crossed the street in our neighborhood to get to their house.
I have many fond memories of Ren: Making forts in his garage, playing in the huge trees cut down in his yard, and playing with matchbox cars in the dirt.
Ren had a God given gift in art and I specifically remember making paper cut outs of birds with him when we were quite young and his birds were magnificent, while mine were stick figures and still are! I marvel at how his art work excelled.
Ren was a very caring person and always would look out for me when his boyhood friends were a little more physical. I remember us sharing moments when he'd ask, "Nanc what do you think about this....?" when we were older.
Ren will definitely be fondly remembered. To his family, know that you are in my prayers at this time and may you hold onto your good memories of Ren and let them comfort you. Love and prayers, Nancy Detro : .

Message from Mark Habermeyer

February 17, 2022 2:06 AM

I write this from my home in the Philippines. I just found out about Ren's passing that occured nearly 10 years ago. I grew up with Ren. We were as close as two friends can be. We were soulmates. There are so many many memories, I cannot recall them all. His dad and his fitness regimen, his mom and her arthritis, but always smiling. Sister Bonnie. All wonderful people. To all who knew about it, I took the 2 week bike trip with him up to Copper Harbor, MI.
Rest Peacefully "Wheeze"
Marķ