Douglas William Olszak

Douglas William Olszak, 55, passed away peacefully at his home in Denton, TX, Thursday evening, November 4, 2010, after braving the last two and a half years with brain cancer. There are many things for which Doug will be remembered, but the lasting legacy for his family and friends was his dignity, humility, and selflessness during such a physically taxing time. It was not about him, but rather an opportunity to continue in what defined his life above all else—service. Doug was born January 31, 1955, in Chelsea, MA, to Harry and Helen Olszak. He was the oldest of four sons. Doug graduated Bayside High School in Virginia Beach, VA, in 1973, before embarking upon a 23-year career spanning active and reserve military duty, as well as civil service, in the United States Air Force. He attained the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. He was later employed in the Dallas-Fort Worth area as a senior IT professional by Peterbilt Motors, Microsoft, and Medco. His colleagues and clients were well served over the years and respected his relentless commitment to continual learning, knowledge sharing, and leadership by example. Doug’s desire to serve was exemplified in his personal life too. From his early involvement in Scouting with his sons, to leading church Sunday school classes and bible studies, to more recent examples managing the Robson Ranch Roadrunners travel group and his dedication to the Robson Ranch Support Our Troops service organization, Doug found great pleasure in volunteering his time and talents for others. Given his remarkable gift of gab and clever wit, Doug was well known and liked, but no place more so than at Robson Ranch. He had often remarked that he truly felt at home at Robson Ranch and was blessed to have met so many caring friends. It was also there that on September 29, 2005, he committed in the presence of friends, family, and the Lord that he would forever love and cherish his wife and best friend Marilyn. Doug is survived by his parents, Harry and Helen Olszak, of Denton, TX; his wife, Marilyn Olszak, of Denton, TX; his son, Robert Olszak, of Savannah, GA; his son, Chris Olszak, and daughter-in-law, Amy, of Holly Springs, NC; his daughter, Sarah Olszak Barnes, of El Paso, TX; and his son, Adam Olszak, and daughter-in-law, La Toya, of Fairbanks, AK. Also surviving are five grandchildren: Faith Olszak, of Weslaco, TX; Richard Olszak, of Weslaco, TX; Zachary Olszak, of Holly Springs, NC; Noah Wiza, of El Paso, TX; and Vaylan Olszak, of Fairbanks, AK. Doug is further survived by his brother, Edward Olszak, and sister-in-law, Teresa, of Norfolk, VA, along with their daughter Alexandra; his brother, Steven Olszak, and sister-in-law, Karen, of Virginia Beach, VA, along with their daughters Courtney and Morgan; and his brother, Richard Olszak, of Suffolk, VA. A celebration of Doug’s life will be held at 2 PM on Wednesday, November 10, 2010, at the Robson Ranch Clubhouse Auditorium, 9400 Ed Robson Blvd – Bldg E, Denton, TX, with Pastor Jim Wilkins officiating. Eulogists: Don Lucky, Harry Caldwell, and Marsha Weaver. Music: Doug Weaver and Melba Beckham. Ushers: George Bowdouris, Gary Chaffee, Richard Dinkins, and Steven Pratt. Reception to follow. There will be a private interment of Doug’s remains within a columbarium wall at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Doug’s family would welcome memorial donations to the National Brain Tumor Society, via www.braintumor.org, or addressed to: National Brain Tumor Society, 124 Watertown Street, Suite 2D, Watertown, MA 02472. For questions or more information, call 1 800-770-8287. Condolences for the family may be offered at the following Lone Star Cremations’ hosted page: www.lonestarcremation.com/douglas-william-olszak