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That is an awesome picture with Pure Hell in the background. Glad to see the cancer car completed... bad ass as can be. '22
Wanted to dig this out for memories, and to let the HAMB know that Mark passed away last week after his long battle with cancer. He was an excellent fellow, and this car was pure joy to him! Viva le Cancer Car.
The Knight clan is sending out thoughts and prayers. That car did more than those close to it realize! Trent
So sorry to hear the news. That car and story behind it will always be an inspiration. Godspeed Mark..
Thats sad to hear. I remember the story and car from years ago. I'm glad he had a chance to live his dream. Prayers are sent.
very sorry to hear such sad news. Condolences to Mark's family from the deep south of New Zealand. The roadster Mark has built is an awe inspiring piece of art mixed with function and I hope the family get many years of enjoyment from it. God Speed ,Farm-Boy Paul
condolences to his family and friends. as a survivor thanks to those who helped him realize his dream.
I was afraid to see this thread back to the top......... I'm so sorry to hear of this. Godspeed Mark..........
Mark will be truelly missed. He was an inspiration to many... From the Fresno Bee... <!-- Name = MARK OLSON-->Mark Olson of Reedley passed away on Thursday, June 23, 2011, with his family at his side. He was born to George and Patricia Olson of Dinuba on December 29, 1949. Mark always had a smile for those around him and a tremendously joyful and positive disposition. His fun-loving spirit was matched with a deep appreciation of family, friends, simple pleasures and a good meal. The sparkle in Mark's eyes and his quick smile warmed everyone fortunate enough to be in his presence and he was truly an inspiration to others. Mark was a graduate of Dinuba High School, class of 1968. He attended Reedley College and Fresno State where he studied aircraft mechanics and agriculture. He married his high school sweetheart, Patti Shamoon, in 1974, and they were blessed with two loving daughters, Alissa and Jocelyn. Mark worked at Quinn Caterpillar as a diesel mechanic and was nicknamed "Oly". In 1984, he joined Five Way Farms, a farming partnership with his brothers-in-law, Stan and Greg Shamoon, his uncle Jerry Frazee, and cousin Mark Frazee. Mark felt at home working in the fields and loved his time on the ranch. He was also proud to carry on the Olson family tradition of farming and reminisced about his childhood memories growing up on the farm. Five Way Farms eventually turned into a partnership with his brother-in-law, Stan Shamoon. During the past several years, as they both confronted personal health issues, their bond grew stronger providing mutual, loving, support for one another. Mark enjoyed all sports, especially swimming, surfing, water skiing, and snow skiing. His enthusiasm for these pursuits provided him many perfect days, which could only be surpassed if family or friends accompanied him. One of his proudest moments was competing in the three-mile Alcatraz Sharkfest Swim nine months after undergoing major surgery. Mark was also passionate about classic hot rods. He accomplished his goal of building his "cancer car", a 1923 Dodge Hemi Roadster, in memory of his personal journey and those of his father, George Olson, and brother Mike Olson. This project provided a positive outlet to help him cope with his illness. While building his hot rod, Mark developed supportive and lasting friendships with members of the Reedley Nomad's Car Club. Mark felt blessed to have these last several years to enjoy his family and to continue living life to its fullest. Mark is preceded in death by his father; and his brother Mike. The family would like to express their appreciation for the caring support given by Dr. Michael Moffett and his staff at Cancer Care Associates, Dr. Rabi Kundu, Hinds Hospice, and friend, Sharon Kaprielian. He is survived by his wife, Patti Shamoon Olson; daughters, Alissa and Jocelyn; mother, Patricia Olson; brother, Greg Olson and his wife Janell, and their children Paul, Josh and Daniel; sister, Johanna Olson Alexander and her husband Timothy; sister-in-law, Nancy Olson and her children Nathanael, Jonathan, Priscilla, Timothy, Benjamin, Samuel, Suzanna, Josiah, and Zachariah; sister-in-law, Sharon Shamoon and her children Stephanie and Adam; and nephew, Charles Shamoon. The Memorial Service will be held at the Dinuba Presbyterian Church on Friday, July 1, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Reedley Cemetery.The Reedley Nomad's Car Club is providing a festive gathering to celebrate Mark's life at Rod Harm's home, (6839 S. Buttonwillow Ave., Reedley) beginning on Friday, July 1, 2011, at 5:30 p.m. All friends and family are cordially invited. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to PMP Pals, c/o G. Graham, P.O. Box 6384, Salinas, Ca. 93912 (a cancer support organization). Read more: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/fresnobee/obituary.aspx?n=mark-olson&pid=152265958#ixzz1QrpPuK00
I'm glad he got to see his goal to the end and get to enjoy it. Sad to see anyone go... Rest in peace, Mark.
I met mark when he came buy to buy some model A parts from me and as soon as we started talking i felt as i had known him for years, we talked about cars for hours and the whole time he had a big smile on his face, he was really a great person, then not long after that there he was on the six oclock news after swimming from alcatraz LOL, man what a guy! R.I.P. mark
Never knew Mark but loved reading of his inspiring push to build this car and battle cancer at the same time. Wish he would have made it - too many are gone due to that horrible disease. Godspeed Mark and RIP Steve
Heart breaking man. Bitchin', bitchin car..... Rest in peace. Sounds like Mark was a heck of a good guy.
R.I.P. Mark. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. This horrible disease has taken too many good people away too soon. I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma back in February and I am almost done with my Chemotherapy and luckily for me my Cancer is in remission. Like I said I am so sorry to hear that you lost your battle with the disease but at least you are now in a better place. God Bless
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