Lloyd “Ole” Olson, 62, passed away Nov. 19, 2007, at Banner Gardens Hospice House in Mesa, Ariz.Lloyd was born Aug. 30, 1945, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., to Gilbert and Betty Olson of Nekoosa, Wis. He graduated from Alexander High School in Nekoosa in 1963.He entered the U.S. Air Force in June 1964 and was a Vietnam veteran. He was discharged in 1968.After the Air Force, Ole went to Leadville and worked for the Climax Mine.He married Patricia Smith in Leadville in April 1972. They had two children in Leadville, then moved to Rifle in 1983, and he worked for Unocal. Ole continued in the mining industry as a heavy equipment operator at ColoWyo in Craig and Asarco in Kerney, Ariz.Ole was a member of the Elks, Eagles and VFW for many years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping. He was committed to his family. A truly kind, decent man, whose life touched many, and was always ready with a smile, handshake or hug. Ole rarely showed displeasure. Ole will be greatly missed by his family and friends in many different places.Ole is survived by his mother; daughter Cherie Ann (Shawn Gugin) Olson of Glenwood Springs; son Olin Olson of Rifle; brothers Dale (Rolene) Olson of Nekoosa, Glen “Ole” (Mary) Olson of Port Edwards, Wis.; sisters Sharon (Roger) Lamb of Nekoosa, Donna (Neil) Morey of Fremont, Wis., and Dawn (Joe) Luginbuhl of Nekoosa; grandchildren Alyson, Alisha and unborn grandson Gugin, and Trinity Olson; and many nieces, nephews and friends.Ole was preceded in death by his wife; father; stepfather Richard Christofferson; mother-in-law Katherine Smith; brother Olaf; and an infant sister.A “Toast to Ole” will be held at noon Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Cantina in Kerney.