The Life History of David Wayne Olsen

David Wayne Olsen’s life story and Blonde Hair and a Golden Horseshoe

Chapter 1

After my preexistence, my life on earth began on a crisp October day in 1956. As I reflect on my birth, it feels like a moment defined by agency. My childhood memories, set in a time before adulthood, glow with nostalgia: the steady sway of a pony beneath me, the thrill of a sled racing down a snowy hill, and the quiet contentment of a well-read book.

I'm grateful to my grandparents, Grandpa and Grandma Alvey, for their hospitality because I lived with them in their home twice. My Grandpa Alvey lived an adventurous life. He was born on January 14, 1913, to James Alvey, Jr., and Synthia McInelly Alvey, and was raised by his grandma in Escalante, Utah. He was raised in Escalante and attended public schools there. My Grandma, Sarah Elizabeth Finn Alvey, was born on November 17, 1908, at Rudy (Clark), Idaho, to Wilford Harris Finn and Sarah Jeffs Finn. She grew up in Clark and rode a horse to the old Buck School in Jefferson County. As a boy, my grandpa ran away, traveling through Bryce Canyon to Rigby, Idaho, then Clark, where he met my grandma. He married Sarah Elizabeth Finn on October 12, 1932, in Dillon, Montana. Their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on December 12, 1951. They lived in Idaho Falls for 72 years. He worked as a heavy equipment operator, then drove a truck for over 30 years. An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he held the office of High Priest. He served as a Sunday School Superintendent for many years and especially loved serving in the ward choir. He and Sarah served a mission in Alabama from January 1980 to June 1981. They also filled a temple mission in St. George, Utah. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping in Island Park. He loved singing, entertaining his grandchildren, playing harmonica with a group, and serving in the church choir. Many years later, they were sealed in the LDS Idaho Falls Temple, served a mission in Birmingham, Alabama, and worked as temple workers in Idaho Falls. They also filled a temple mission in St. George, Utah.

My Grandpa, an avid outdoorsman, loved hitching his inboard motorboat to the trailer. In the summer, he would drive to either Island Park Reservoir or Palisades Reservoir in Idaho for boating adventures. On one occasion, my grandpa drove his pickup with a boat trailer to Palisades Reservoir, taking my grandma and me along. On the way, Grandpa noticed the boat trailer's taillights weren't working, so he pulled over at a service station in Palisades, where a man fixed them. After the launch, Grandpa treated Grandma and me to a pleasant boat ride around the lake. On a different occasion, Grandpa drove the boat trailer to Island Park Reservoir, where he also put the boat in the water. This time, my Uncle Lavar took us for a ride, and I even went water skiing on the reservoir.

My Grandpa worked as a truck driver, hauling gas from Salt Lake City to Bozeman, Montana. My Grandpa drove the truck for over 30 years, and my grandma worked in the drapery department at the downtown JCPenney store. My Grandpa passed away at 91 years old on June 30, 2004, at the Idaho Falls Care Center. My grandma died at age 98 on January 24, 2007, at Idaho Falls Health & Rehab from age-related causes.

My Grandpa Olsen was born on July 2, 1894, in Lava Hot Springs, Bannock County, Idaho. My Grandma Olsen was born on March 1, 1901, in Huntington, Emery County, Utah. During my youth, we lived next door to the Olsen Grandparents in Iona, Idaho. Grandpa bought furniture in Idaho Falls and brought it home for Grandma as a gift. My grandmother consistently expressed sincere verbal appreciation for the gifts that my grandfather purchased and brought home for her. My Grandparents had a beautiful red apple orchard where we would pick apples. My Grandpa passed away on June 20, 1976, at 81 years old. My Grandma passed away on December 5, 1981, at 80 years old.

When I was growing up, my parents, Lacel Wayne and Yvonne Olsen, didn't lead as adventurous a life as my grandpa and grandma Alvey did. My Dad worked hard, and he worked most of my youth at the Coca-Cola Bottling Company for 15 1/2 years, supervising teenagers as they loaded trucks with cases of soda pop. Dad was born during the Depression on June 11, 1932, in Iona, Idaho, to William Alma Olsen and Hortense Walker Olsen, the ninth of eleven children. Growing up in a large family, he learned to work as a young boy and was a hard worker all his life. He served in the United States Army as a Private First Class during the Korean War. On July 29, 1954, he married my mother, Yvonne Alvey, in Iona. Their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple in 1960, and Cynthia, Robert, and I were sealed to our parents. Dad and Mom were blessed with five children: Cynthia, David, Robert, James, and Julie. They made their home in Iona, where Dad worked as a custodian for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was an active, humble member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as a High Priest. He enjoyed ceramics and made many pieces for his friends and family. He loved fishing, especially at his favorite place--Meadow Lake. He enjoyed traveling to Ft Wayne, Indiana, to visit his brothers or to Florida to visit his sister, with side trips to places like Nauvoo, Illinois, or Washington, D.C.

My Mother was born on July 7, 1936, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Alfred Lionel Alvey and Sarah Elizabeth Finn Alvey. She attended school in Idaho Falls and graduated from Idaho Falls High School. My Mom worked hard, too. But she transported children to school on a school bus, she drove to Bonneville High School during the week, and I was one of them. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many callings over the years, including Primary teacher, secretary, counselor, and Relief Society president. She loved to sew clothing for her children and others. She always had a lovely garden and did lots of canning. She gave many years of dedicated service to TOPS Club, Inc., serving as an officer in local chapters and as State Coordinator for 17 years. She drove a school bus in District 93 for 28 years. She will be remembered for the many comical readings she gave around the area over the years. She loved family get-togethers and reunions. Later in life, Mom joined the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, where she loved spending time talking with members about any family history connections before or after previous generations arrived. She was always an example of love and service. Mom shared herself freely with her family and friends. She was always there for her daughter, who was ill most of her life. Time passed, and my dad left his job at Coca-Cola, then he went to work for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at the Iona Stake House as a custodian. In addition, Dad, Mother, my brother James, and I took on a job cleaning the Seminary Buildings at Bonneville High and Bonneville Jr. High Schools.
During my youth, I remember being taught by Stan Boyle Sr. in Sunday School, being baptized by my dad, and receiving priesthood offices. I met leaders like Erwin E. Wirkus and received a patriarchal blessing at 18 from Carl F. Day. Later, Dudley J. Tucker set me apart as a missionary for Adelaide, Australia. I served my mission in Adelaide, Australia, headquartered in Adelaide, South Australia, from February 1976 to March 1978. The areas of South Australia I served in were the Burnside, Torrens, Prospect, and Greenacres Districts, as well as the town of Port Pirie. I baptized Judith Doyle, Michael Doyle, and Claude Sarich, and worked with a family and several others, some of whom I believe have joined the Church. In 1978, I returned home, visited Disneyland, and then enrolled in Ricks College, which I loved.

My childhood in Iona, Idaho, was memorable. The Wilde family lived across from us and owned a pasture. Gary Wilde drove his Jeep there during the winter. My mother warned us never to ride with him in the slick pasture, and we obeyed.

A young man named Ryan Sayer was my first friend. The Sayer family home was a block from the Olsen home, and it became a second home to me, as Ryan and I spent hours there every day. Sundays were no different, except that he and I attended the LDS church, which was close to our homes in Iona, Idaho. Once again, we were close friends with Barry Willis, who lived on Iona Hill. At a young age, all three of us became hooked on rock and roll—especially the Beatles. For a few years, it was just the three of us until Rocky Ramos and the Ramos family joined us. Nothing really changed, except that three friends now became four. The Ramoses, the Sayers, and the Olsens all became members of a newly formed LDS Third Ward. The Willises were members of the first original ward, Iona First Ward. But we all attended Bonneville High School together in the same grade. However, our circumstances changed after we graduated from high school, and as we approached our 19th birthdays, Ryan, Rocky, and I planned to serve LDS missions. In contrast, Barry got married to a woman in the LDS Idaho Falls Temple. Each of us made spiritual decisions that were in accordance with the will of the Lord.

My diligence as a student earned me recognition on the honor roll and fueled my intellectual curiosity. This drive led to attending Ricks College, Idaho State University, and the Eastern Idaho Vocational Technical School, where I earned degrees and gained skills for service.
It was several years ago that I became acquainted with Henry B. Eyring.
I first met him at Ricks College when as a freshman I was in a line waiting to enroll for available business courses during the fall of 1995. We began engaging in small talk, such as what my name was, and that it was my first semester at the school. Then I went our separate ways, and I signed up for the necessary courses I needed. The 1995 fall semester went by quickly and towards the end of it, I talked to my bishop, Bishop Richard Wheeler, and we sent my papers in to go on a mission. I quickly received my mission call to go to the Adelaide Australia Mission in February of 1996, and my call was signed by Spenser W. Kimball.
In 1992, living in Idaho Falls, I decided to return to school. I first attended Ricks College and received an Associate of Arts degree, then transferred with my wife, Jaylene, to Idaho State University in Pocatello. I have a Bachelor's in Elementary Education; Jaylene has one in Social Work. We also enjoyed lunch frequently at Bamboo Gardens in Pocatello with her cousin, Kelly. I graduated in the Spring of 1995, Jaylene, the following semester.
My studies also involved me in self-educating myself, namely in computers, PC software, and the Internet. My first computer was a Windows 95 desktop. The second PC I owned was a desktop Windows 7, later to be upgraded to a Windows 8. Then I bought my first laptop, a Windows 10. Lastly, I bought the computer I am currently on, a Windows 11 laptop. I have used the computers I have owned to write my life story and protect my PC against viruses and trojan horses, listen to audio files, and keep track of my daily finances.

Transitioning from academic pursuits to professional experiences, my work reflected my compassionate nature. I served as a custodial supervisor, taking pride in order and cleanliness. My true calling emerged in special education, where I aided teenagers and supported adults with developmental delays. In these positions, my patience was constant and my encouragement steady. I focused on the individual, dedicating myself to helping each person realize their potential, one small success at a time.

The best job I ever had was several years ago, when I worked at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEL) as a Custodial Supervisor for the Development Workshop, Inc. My job duties included driving a car, picking up two mentally challenged men, and transporting them to the INEL for five eight-hour days a week, and later, four ten-hour days. The INEL is in southeastern Idaho, specifically in a high desert area between Arco to the west and Idaho Falls and Blackfoot to the east. Once we arrived at the facility, we cleaned two buildings and one trailer while I supervised the two men who were with me in completing their cleaning duties. It took all night. Then I would drive the car the next morning with the two men in it, from the INEL back to Idaho Falls, and drop them off at their homes.

In 1980, I met Jaylene while attending classes at Eastern Idaho Vocational School and the LDS Institute in Idaho Falls. Through her cousin, Garla Clinger, I was introduced to Jaylene. Our first date was at a Bonneville High School football game. As our relationship grew, I visited Jaylene often. Two weeks after the meeting, I proposed. It has been said that "Absence makes the heart grow fonder." That is so true with my wife, Jaylene. She gets her name from her dad, Jay, and lene from her mother, Arlene. We married at the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on February 22, 1980.

We lived in the Sandceek Ward and in the Idaho Falls Lincoln Stake. I served as First Counselor in the Sunday School Presidency and later as President of the Sunday School. Jaylene and I were called to teach a Primary class, and she worked in Idaho Falls as a clerk at the Boy Scouts of America office.

Some years later, my life was profoundly changed. Jaylene’s life went too quickly, wherefore my queen went to heaven on March 12, 1999, at the age of 40. I have a large photograph of her in my bedroom, which gives me hope and faith that I will be with her someday. My family is my greatest joy and my deepest heartache. I built a life with my beloved wife, Jaylene Clinger, and together we raised three children: Rebecca, Michael, and Alicia. The home we created was filled with echoes of laughter, the strength of faith, and the gentle hum of everyday love. When Jaylene passed away, a profound silence settled where her presence had been. I held onto that quiet sadness, quietly threading it through my life, even as I remained a steady presence for my children.

It seems appropriate to begin writing this section on New Year's Day, 2026. Five years ago, two women moved me and my things to the Turtle and Crane assisted living center. I had been living in a behavioral health center, and while there, my mind was confused about what my entire existence meant. Then, over the next five years, while I lived at Turtle and Crane, I regained my purpose in life, which I had once been happy with. First, my happiness is much more than thinking and/or saying, "I am happy." Secondly, what is my joy, yours, or any other people's then? Now, who is my happiness besides me (yours)? There are two lovely daughters, a bunch of grandchildren, my wife is in heaven, my son and my parents are there, and other loved ones are there as well. I am here on Earth, obviously. What do I do? I write a little here, read some, including the Holy Scriptures, pray some, and spend time with my family and my friends. I have mentioned them as well. This is pretty much it for now.

After Jaylene died, I married Maxine Millard in a civil ceremony. Later, I had a profound spiritual experience while hospitalized. I awoke from a coma with my family present, recalling a vision of Jesus. My doctor, John Liljenquist, stated my blood sugar was critically high, yet I survived—a miracle I attributed to divine intervention.

Turtle and Crane Assisted Living: The Past Five Years

My first memory of another miracle was when the two female administrators of Turtle and Crane Assisted Living were in a room at a behavioral health center. My previous memories of that meeting were of confusion, and I felt lost about where I was in my life. Afterall, I felt depressed because my wife, Jaylene, had passed away several years ago, and my two daughters appeared aloof to me. As I sat with the two ladies, they told me about a special place called Turtle and Crane that they thought would be a good place to live if I wanted to. Everything was wrong right then, so how could anything get worse? So, the decision to make the move was the direction I took. Next, I moved into assisted living accommodations, and my life has become increasingly happy.

My story is not one of dramatic conquests or loud achievements. It is a story of quiet dedication—to faith, service, the dignity of every human being, and the family I love. It is a life measured not by milestones but by countless unheralded moments of kindness, duty, and steadfast love—a life well lived in every sense of the word.

Chapter 2

Blonde Hair and a Golden Horseshoe

Part 1

Blonde Hair and a Golden Horseshoe is a story full of my heartfelt memories of my son, Michael, and the Wilford Harris Finn family reunion. Most notably, within its contents, I recount the trip my boy and I took in our minivan in August of 1996 to the Finn Fun Family Reunion near Felt, Idaho. Therefore, this book is dedicated to my son, Michael Jay Olsen, his mother, Jaylene Olsen, and to the Wilford Harris Finn family. I was inspired to write this story because of the tremendous joy God has blessed me with in having Mike as my son forever and in enjoying his marvelous companionship. To familiarize readers with Michael, the following preface offers a brief sketch of some highlights of his life.

Michael Jay Olsen was born April 11, 1982, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to his mother, Jaylene Olsen, and his father, David Wayne Olsen. He came into this world on April 11, 1982, as a beautiful, round-faced, blue-eyed baby boy who seemed to be born with a smile on his face that never went away. He grew and developed quite normally, walking and getting into everything like all toddlers do. Then he began to stumble and fall - first a little and then a lot. By the time he was 4 years old, he was this happy, smiling little Pooh Bear. Located on the corner of John Adams and Hitt Road is a little yellow house. Years ago, in that house, my wife, Jaylene, and I raised our family of three, including Rebecca, Michael, and Alicia. It was only a few years into Mike's life that he used a wheelchair due to his Muscular Dystrophy. This was not funny, but Mike drove his chair into Alicia.

One day, he and his family went to Disney World, and a couple of years later, to Disneyland. He had a wonderful time at both places. In fact, he was thrilled as Winnie the Pooh and many other Disney characters approached him during our trips to these famous theme parks. Mike was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held the office of Teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood. However, when he was first made a Deacon, he was so excited to pass the sacrament, which he would do in his wheelchair. Many members of our LDS ward, Sandcreek Ward, told me they were thrilled to watch him pass the sacrament and see his big smile. Although he was limited to participating in young men's and other church activities, he regularly attended sacrament and Sunday school meetings. That's what Mike did the best - he made the best of his circumstances, and he endured his difficulties so well to the end of his life.

He experienced discomfort and insomnia during his final night. As his mother and I took turns being with him and trying to make him comfortable, he would tell us, "It will be all right, Mom. It will be okay, Dad." And I know everything is okay with you now, Mike, that you can walk and run and do all the things you always wanted to do.
Michael left this life quietly at home on April 14, 1997, a round-faced, blue-eyed 15-year-old boy. I love you, Mike, and everyone who knows you will miss you in this life. We thank you for sharing your special spirit with us for just a while, and we look forward to seeing you again someday. We also thank you for teaching us about patience and long-suffering, and about smiles and the joy of living.
With this brief history of my son's choice of life, I introduce my readers to the account of the marvelous adventure my boy and I experienced during our trip to the Finn Fun Family Reunion. My special thanks for my undaunted desire to write this book is given to my great parents, Wayne and Yvonne Olsen, and my wonderful Grandparents, Alfred and Sarah Alvey. My entire life, they have instilled in me the importance of family, and the strong unity in the Finn family is the main reason I love attending the family reunion every year. I also want to thank the entire Finn family for much of the inspiration to publish this story - especially all the marvelous fun times we have had at the reunions. My only hope is that as you read this story, it will bring you peace, as my son still brings to me.

Special Acknowledgments

Michael's life sketch was contributed by his grandmother, Yvonne Olsen.

Part II

It was a beautiful Friday morning in August 1996 when my 14-year-old son Michael and I began our great father-son adventure to the Finn Fun Family Reunion. This family reunion was the social highlight of the summer and is held every year to honor the ancestors of Wilford Harris Finn, my great-grandfather.

Many descendants of Grandfather Finn gather each year during the first weekend of August at the reunion campground near the town of Felt, Idaho. As one big family, several families such as Adams, Alvey’s, Browers, Finns, Moore’s, Tolley’s, and others collectively rendezvous and celebrate our ancestry to the Finn family. So, my boy and I were looking forward to making a trip to the reunion. Our journey started at our home in Idaho Falls, and our leading destination was the reunion campground near Felt.

As we left the City of Idaho Falls in our minivan, Mike had a big smile on his face and a sparkle in his eye. He was a pleased young man who truly enjoyed his life to the fullest, even though he had physical limitations, and it showed. He was almost always cheerful, except during occasional disagreements with his sisters. For most of his life, he had a beautiful, radiant smile that attracted people to him. He had many friends because people knew that the happiness my boy displayed was completely genuine. I experienced much joy that morning as I watched my son's youthful enthusiasm. That summer morning, my blonde-haired teenage boy talked with great anticipation of us getting to the family reunion as soon as we could. Mike was also a very inquisitive boy who always asked everyone he knew many questions about nearly everything he saw in the World, especially things that fascinated him. That morning, he was so excited that he asked me many questions about the trip, such as which towns we would go through and which sites we'd see during the reunion. While we were talking, he also asked me many questions about the Teton Dam and whether we could visit its remains. I answered all his questions and told him we could go to the old dam site.

My son and I had a wonderful time talking as we traveled down the highway to the old road that led to the dam. We drove up to the ruins of the Teton Dam and gazed at them in fascination. As I mentioned, Mike was in awe of the outdoors, especially the mountain ranges, lakes, and, particularly, dams. So, I told Mike the story that on June 5, 1976, the Teton Dam failed, sending 80 billion gallons of water into Rexburg, Idaho, and the valley beyond. Severe flooding and destruction occurred when 16 tons of debris swept down the Teton River. As a result of the flooding, 30,000 people were evacuated from their homes, and eight people were killed. The communities of Rexburg and Sugar City, along with the large farms surrounding the area, suffered devastating consequences from the flood. Much of Rexburg was destroyed, but within two years, the areas were cleaned up and rebuilt.
Mike was completely glued to every word of the story I told about how the Earth's dam failed and the disaster that ensued. We also had fun looking at the fallen structure and describing what we thought it looked like. After a moment, we decided the remaining mountain of dirt looked like a lopsided Egyptian pyramid. As we looked to the Southeast, a short distance from the original dam, we could see a couple of large concrete pieces from the structure that the flood had washed away. When the dam collapsed, it was remarkable that the spillway of the dam, a large all-concrete slide for overflow, remained intact against the East wall of the canyon. The Teton River was the only natural resource left from the large reservoir of water the dam once stored. We really enjoyed discussing every detail we knew about the old Teton Dam and its collapse. The moments we spent together at the dam were high-quality, high-quantity time - especially since we had so much fun there and it was highly educational! But the minutes went by so fast that before we knew it, we realized it was getting close to lunch time at the Finn reunion, so we needed to get back on the road again and travel to the reunion campground. Therefore, I drove the van back to the old road that had led to the dam, then onto the main highway. Then we went to the reunion campground near Felt, Idaho.

The small community of Felt, Idaho, is in the Teton Valley, which is along the eastern border of Idaho and near the 13,000-foot peaks of the Grand Teton Range. With the jagged, snow-capped Tetons as a magnificent backdrop, my blonde-headed son and I traversed Idaho Highway 33 in our minivan. It was a beautiful August day, and our next destination was the Finn Fun Family Reunion being held in a campground near Felt off Highway 32.

Once we were back on the highway, we climbed in elevation, passing large farms for several miles, and then began descending into Teton Valley. Across the valley floor, we saw scattered farmsteads and the town of Tetonia in the nearest distance. We were getting excited because it was only a few miles to our family reunion. Mike and I soon spotted the highway we needed to turn off onto to get to Felt, so I turned onto it, and we headed for the small town. After a short distance, we arrived at Felt, and then we traveled a little further until we turned onto an old dirt road that led us straight to our destination, the Finn Family Reunion campsite.
As we arrived at the Finn Fun Family Reunion, many of our immediate relatives greeted us, including my grandparents, Grandpa and Grandma Alvey, and Grandpa and Grandma Olsen, as well as my parents. A special friend of Mike's, Mitch DeChamp, also came over and talked to him for a long time. Mitch was a 96-year-old gentleman, yet he displayed youthful enthusiasm for life. He was an extremely friendly and outgoing person in public. It was evident to me that his marvelous exuberance for living led him to form some very close friendships at the reunion - especially with my son. So, he talked to Mike about where he went to school and what he liked to do at home. Then Mitch boldly told Mike he had a surprise gift for him and said he would give it to him after we ate lunch at noon at the reunion. A huge smile came over Michael's face, and he asked him what present he was going to give him. Mitch told him it was something special and he would find out soon! But then his Grandma Olsen came out of my grandparents' camping trailer and dished up some delicious food on a plate for Mike to eat. He ate a couple of sandwiches, some potato chips, and drank a pop. His Grandma Olsen also gave him some treats, such as cookies and a chocolate brownie. So, while he was eating his lunch, my fourteen-year-old boy's big appetite temporarily caused The Finn Fun Family Reunion to forget about the surprise. After he finished eating, my boy asked me again about when he was going to get the present Mitch had for him. I quickly glanced around the campground, and I saw Mitch coming toward us with something bright that shone like gold.

As Mike saw Mitch approaching, he became very excited and wore a big smile. Mitch stood in front of the blonde-haired teenager, and he handed him a beautiful golden horseshoe. He told him the horseshoe wasn't really made of gold; it was only painted gold, but to my son, it was made of gold. Mike said he was the luckiest boy in the world as he held the horseshoe close to his body, as if guarding his most prized possession. He then took a moment to thank Mitch for the special gift he had given him.

After receiving his lucky horseshoe, Mike and I went over to the tent some of the family pitched for us to sleep in that night, and we put our clothes and sleeping bags into it. We spent the rest of the afternoon having wonderful conversations with Grandpa and Grandma Alvey, Olsen family members, and other relatives at the reunion. Then in the evening, we roasted traditional American hot dogs over an open campfire and ate them in hot-dog buns, along with salads and other good foods.
For the rest of the evening, we stayed close to the warm campfire with other members of the family, and a few people sat directly around it. Mike and I really enjoyed the campfire atmosphere and the conversations we had with other relatives. But as the evening grew late, we grew tired, retired from our tent, and went to sleep.

The night passed quickly, and we awoke Saturday morning, anxiously looking ahead to the fun events planned by members of the Finn family for the day. The biggest event we looked forward to that day was the horseshoe-pitching contest held in the afternoon. The horseshoe pitching competition is held every year at the Finn Fun Family Reunion at a pit constructed by family members, and it was no different that August afternoon. Although most contest participants were men, anyone else could pitch horseshoes in the contest. There were often some women, teenagers, and children who also played horseshoes. It was a great family sport we played at the reunion solely for fun, recreation, and enjoyment.

Horseshoe pitching was an enjoyable sport at the reunion, since most of us wished for good luck rather than relying on the merits of our limited skills. In my view and the viewpoint of others, I was one of these fun-loving, unskilled pitchers. There were times I was lucky, and I threw a horseshoe or two that scored some points, but generally, when I threw a horseshoe toward its target, the peg could end up falling anywhere. Since I was unpredictable, I feared hitting someone with a horseshoe, and so when I tossed one, I would immediately yell, "Heads up, everyone, get out of the way!" Thus, when I yelled, everyone moved. But each year, there was nearly always a couple of competitors at the horseshoe pit who pitched them skillfully and accurately. My Grandpa, Al Alvey, was one of these people, although today he would claim it was merely luck and he would humorously deny his pitching skills. Along with his son, Lavar Alvey, Lamar Brower, Jim Finn, and many others, my grandpa was a skilled and accurate horseshoe pitcher. Over the years, he won the horseshoe-pitching contest many times at the reunion and its accompanying trophy. It is not essential to this book for me to state who won the 1996 horseshoe contest or which years my grandpa won it. The main reason is that none of the participants appeared to be "totally obsessed" with winning the trophy, particularly since most of us pitched horseshoes for fun. Most people only cared that we all enjoyed playing, not who won each year. What was most important to me was that it didn't matter whether my grandpa won the trophy every year, because he was always the winner to me.

After all the dinner preparations were completed, the entire family gathered near the campground shelter, and a family member offered a blessing over the food. Everyone's appetite was bursting, so we lined up in two long lines on each side of the huge buffet tables to choose from an enormous smorgasbord of dishes. Among the delicious foods available were traditional potato salad, macaroni salad, Jell-O, and green salads. There were also finger foods available, such as fresh vegetables, potato chips, dips, dressings, and toppings. Then there were the main courses: Dutch oven potatoes, baked beans, and roast beef. Finally, there were many desserts for us to choose from, including cherry cheesecake, apple pie, and chocolate brownies. To Mike and me, every bit of cherry cheesecake, apple pie, and chocolate brownies. To Mike and me, every bit of the food sitting on the table was mouth-watering!
The big buffet dinner was also a delightful time because I helped Mike get a plate of food since he could not maneuver his motorized wheelchair into either of the food lines In fact, when I was getting him and me our meals, it was very humorous to me when one of the family asked me, "Hey Dave, why are getting two big plates of food?" I started laughing hard, and I said loudly, "It looks like I have more than enough grub for both Mike and me!" The person then responded, "Sure, we know all that food is mainly for you!" Indeed, this was an ideal time for me to get extra food; furthermore, I had occasionally found myself in this blessed circumstance with my son at other dinners before this one at the reunion. But all that mattered to me right then was that we were having fun: the food was plentiful and delicious, and my boy was happy. It was evident that my son was enjoying himself with that typical glowing smile. And that's all the assurance I needed.

With the annual horseshoe contest completed, the time was fast approaching when the entire Finn family would gather for a big dinner. It was late Saturday afternoon, and many women of the Finn family were finishing preparations for an assortment of fantastic foods. Several family members subsequently transferred various prepared foods to a couple of large picnic tables in the campground's shelter area.

Another activity of the reunion that ensured enjoyment for my son and many others was the entertainment program, held Saturday evening. It was early evening, only a short time after we had eaten a delicious dinner, as the entire family gathered near the campground shelter and around the campfire. But this time, we met together and enjoyed the entertaining talents of various family members. Talented family members would present songs, skits, dramatic readings, and a life history of Wilford and Sarah Finn. A family member shared the fascinating story of my great-grandparents, explaining how and where they met, married, and raised their children. Then, other family members performed their talents for the group. Foremost in my mind concerning this special little talent show at the reunion of 1996 were the marvelous gifts of music, dance, and oratory several people shared with us. Some of the most notable performances of the program: Garin Brower recited humorous cowboy poetry, Dillon Finn displayed his guitar and singing talents, and my mother, Yvonne Olsen, shared one of her great comedic readings with us.

Down the Road Again and Reunion Memories Never End

It was a wonderful time for Michael and me, as we thoroughly enjoyed the entire reunion program and all its brave performers. We also loved being able to participate in many of the other activities I have mentioned, the horseshoe contest, eating great food, and, particularly, the times we spent with great relatives. Everyone who attended the Finn Family Reunion that August will remember having lots of fun, laughter, and a sense of tremendous family togetherness. I know I did! But after the entertainment ended, the 1996 reunion activities concluded. Some families traveled, returning home, while some of us stayed over Saturday night until Sunday morning.

Sunday morning, Mike and I left the reunion campground, and I drove our van down the highway again, with our new destinations: the Palisades Dam and the Ririe Dam. These sites would be fun to visit, and they were not too far away to reach by van. Besides, our primary goal was to see as many of the world's fascinating things as we could together. But although the reunion was over this year, it wasn't ever over for my boy and me. We talked at length about the awesome fun we had during our travels to the reunion. We laughed about how much great food we'd stuffed ourselves with, and we were happy to have become acquainted with many wonderful relatives there. My son and I both agreed that our adventures at Teton Dam and the reunion near the majestic Tetons were the best times we had ever had as father and son. The Finn Fun Family Reunion from that year has passed into the last century; however, I will never forget the marvelous memories and the great fun we had. But the thing I will never forget is going on an adventure with my son and seeing a blonde-haired boy with a big smile and a golden horseshoe in his hand.

Final Thoughts to Readers

I hope that this story about Michael touched your heart. May the peace of Christ be with you wherever you travel.