Nathan Alan Olson-Smith

Nathan Olson-Smith went to be with the Lord at the tender age of only 25 on November 29th, 2024—exactly two months from his 26th birthday. Nathan's love for the Lord, his friends, and his family was the kind you read about in storybooks.

Those who knew Nathan know the love he showed for so many others; for those who were not as fortunate, these words will give you a sense of the type of tender-hearted man Nathan was and as an ideal for which we should strive. Nathan has often been described as a gentle soul. He was pure of heart and had great sensitivity for the people around him. He had a way with people that made them feel comfortable around him. Nathan exuded kindness and always had so much love to give to everyone he encountered. He always considered his friends as family.

From the time Nathan was born, his caring nature and love for others stood out above anything. He was the type of child in which even a short conversation with a stranger would have a lasting impact. Nathan’s kindergarten teacher told me that Nathan was a special little boy and that he had a heart for God.

In elementary school, Nathan became a fantastic writer; he wrote many incredible stories, letters, and poems, but his most precious ones were about his brother and sister. Teachers from every grade always told me they had never seen such a child with so much love and charisma intertwined in a student's writing. Nathan wrote on a student conference form, “I think I do a great job at writing because I like to put my feelings and humor into my writing. It just makes me happy.” He wrote A special message to his parents: "Thanks for going to every football game I had and for loving me.”

As Nathan grew up, several teachers notably said Nathan was the most loving and remarkable student they had ever had. Nathan was a proud graduate of Eagle Point High School and grew up and continued to live in the small community of Eagle Point. He was never shy in showing love and kindness towards others. Even as a young child, Nathan's pastor was moved by Nathan's love for our Lord.

Nathan not only made an unforgettable impact on his teachers, friends, and family, but his love for his older brother and little sister was undeniable. Nathan would write stories in elementary school about his big brother from when they played Pop Warner Football and how Nathan would protect his brother so his big brother could make a touchdown. In one of Nathan's most precious letters about his brother, he wrote, "My brother truly is the world's coolest brother in the whole wide world. I will always remember him as the quarterback of my life." They were brothers and best friends; even as they grew into men, their bond was steadfast. Nathan loved and admired his big brother to no end.

When Nathan's little sister was born, he was so excited, and she became his world. Nathan always called her "boo-boos," was the first to text her on her birthday, and was her biggest fan and supporter of her dreams and goals. Nathan took his little sister to her first job and picked her up from school dances —they became besties. "Best brother ever" are the exact words she would use to describe Nathan. When his little sister was upset about something, she would text Nathan, and he would always help her work it out. As his sister became a teenager, Nathan made sure to tell her regularly how proud he was of her and that he loved her. Nathan loved his little sister, "weirdo," and she loved Nathan, "marble head," more than words could ever describe.

Since Nathan’s passing, previous coworkers, boot camp friends, teachers, and old high school friends have reached out saying Nathan was such a great man, a great listener, and how Nathan was admired for how selfless of a person he was and how he always spoke of his sister and nephew as if they were his kids.”

Nathan's passing has taken a piece of our hearts that we will never get back. The loving memories we have are what we now cherish more than ever. Nathan's amazing hugs, the way his laughter filled a room, and the way he wore his heart on his sleeve will never be forgotten. His love for his friends, family, brother, and sister could never be measured. Nathan taught us to never leave anything unsaid, never give up, and always show the ones who are important in life love in all circumstances.

The love Nathan shared with so many, the way he loved the Lord, and during his short time on this earth, his love and tender heart will always be with us. The impact he had on all of us will never leave us. Nathan will always be our Super Man. He will always be watching from heaven—when his sister graduates high school, when his brother walks down the aisle, and for all the other special moments. Nathan is now our tender-hearted angel in heaven who will always be sending his love. “There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone, the light remains.”

Thank you to everyone who loved Nathan, from his friends, teachers, coaches, and especially his family, for all the love you gave Nathan while he was here