"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7

This memorial website was created in the memory of our loved one, Howard Olmstead, devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, age 70, who went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 16, 2009 after a 2 1/2 year battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome.  He was born in Oneonta, NY, attended Catholic schools in the City of Binghamton, then graduated from Chenango Forks High School.  He served in the Vietnam War as a Radio Operator for the United States Army.  After serving his country, he returned to the States and worked for GAF Corporation.  Howard was a gentle and kind man with a heart of gold.  His endearing charm put others at ease.  He would greet people with a warm smile and a firm handshake saying, "God bless you, my friend".  Blessed with a genius IQ, he was a walking encyclopedia, had a love of politics and could talk about any topic.  Howard always admired our world, God's beautiful creation.  He noticed the smallest details that would be over looked by many.  He couldn't think of a better way to spend a Summer's day than to be with his wife Annie on the banks of a country pond, casting his tackle box full of lures in hopes of catching the "big one".  He liked listening to barber shop quartets, Christian radio and music by Daniel O'Donnell.  He also enjoyed hunting, playing cards with friends and special moments with his children and grandchildren.  Whenever he would say goodbye to his children he would give a hug and say "I'm proud of you and I love you with all my heart".  Howard and his wife were host parents for the Fresh Air Fund for 10 years, which invited inner city children to experience life in the country.  Howard and his family also welcomed and cared for several foster children for approximately 12 years from Broome and Chenango Counties.  Not only did Howard have a special love for children, he also had a soft spot in his heart for animals of all kinds, especially his dogs.  He is survived by his wife Ann, daughters and sons-in-law, Darlene Olmstead of Binghamton, NY, Jody and Terry McKane of Clayville, NY, Lisa and Scott Adams of Kingsley, Pa., Robin and Doug Downey of Endicott, NY, son and daughter-in-law James and Kristie Olmstead of Binghamton, NY, grandchildren, Amber, Todd, Kristin, Tyler, Caden, Kaylie: sister Gladys Vincent of Binghamton, NY and beloved mother-in-law, Alma M. Welch.  He is predeceased by his mother, Hazel (Smith) Olmstead ; father, Howard Olmstead Sr. and step-father, George Snow.  In addition, he is predeceased by his sister, Betty Jean Olmstead; and his precious grandchildren, Melissa Carlie and Jameson Leigh Adams.  Howard would be honored if you considered making a contribution in memory of his grandchildren to Crouse Health Foundation, 736 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13210.

A celebration of Howard's life will be held at the Barton-Myer Funeral Home, Inc. Montrose, Pa on Sunday, December 20, 2009.  The family will receive friends at 3:00 p.m. with a service at 4:00 p.m.  A private burial service will be held Monday, December 21, 2009.

"....but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."  Isaiah 40:31

 God saw that you were getting tired
And the cure was not to be,
So He put His arms around you
And whispered, "Come with Me."

With tearful eyes we watched you suffer
And saw you fade away.
Although we loved you dearly,
We could not make you stay.

A golden heart stopped beating,
Busy hands to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us,
He only takes the best.

It's lonesome here without you
We miss you so each day,
Our lives aren't the same
Since you went away.

When days are sad and lonely,
And everything goes wrong,
We seem to hear you whisper,
"Cheer up and carry on."

Each time we see your picture,
You seem to smile and say,
"Don't cry, I'm in God's keeping,
We'll meet again someday."

Rhonda Braswell

To My Dearest Family:

 
Some things I'd like to say
but first of all to let you know
that I arrived okay
I'm writing this from Heaven
where I dwell with God above
where there's no more tears
or sadness there
is just eternal love
Please do not be unhappy
just because I'm out of sight
remember that I'm with you
every morning, noon and night
That day I had to leave you
when my life on Earth was through
God picked me up and hugged me
and He said I welcome you
It's good to have you back again
you were missed while you were gone
as for your dearest family
they'll be here later on
I need you here so badly
as part of My big plan
there's so much that we have to do
to help our mortal man
Then God gave me a list of things
He wished for me to do
and foremost on that list of mine
is to watch and care for you
And I will be beside you
every day and week and year
and when you're sad
I'm standing there
to wipe away the tear
And when you lie in bed at night
the days chores put to flight
God and I are closest to you
in the middle of the night
When you think of my life on Earth
and all those loving years
because you're only human
they are bound to bring you tears
But do not be afraid to cry
it does relieve the pain
remember there would be no flowers
unless there was some rain
I wish that I could tell you
of all that God has planned
but if I were to tell you
you wouldn't understand
But one thing is for certain
though my life on Earth is o're
I am closer to you now
than I ever was before
And to my very many friends
trust God knows what is best
I'm still not far away from you
I'm just beyond the crest
There are rocky roads ahead of you
and many hills to climb
but together we can do it
taking one day at a time
It was always my philosophy
and I'd like it for you too
that as you give unto the World
so the World will give to you
If you can help somebody
who is in sorrow or in pain
then you can say to God at night
my day was not in vain
And now I am contented
that my life it was worthwhile
knowing as I passed along the way
I made somebody smile
So if you meet somebody
who is down and feeling low
just lend a hand to pick him up
as on your way you go
When you are walking
down the street
and you've got me on your mind
I'm walking in your footsteps
only half a step behind
And when you feel the gentle breeze
or the wind upon your face
that's me giving you a great big hug
or just a soft embrace
And when it's time for you to go
from that body to be free
remember you're not going
you are coming here to me
And I will always love you
from that land way up above
Will be in touch again soon
P.S. God sends His Love
--Author Unknown