I learned a lot from him, and I loved him as a second father. One of the greatest compliments I ever received was when he expressed his desire that I be his successor at St. Barnabas. I think the hardest thing I ever had to do was to tell him that I couldn't accept the position because I was leaving to become a Catholic. I remember that morning, because he turned away and cried. Fr. Olsen never cried, and I felt terrible that my decision had affected him in that way.
It was difficult between us for a while. But we managed to maintain our friendship, and he came to San Antonio for my priestly ordination. In fact, he read one of the lessons at the ordination Mass in San Fernando Cathedral. He started the tradition of visiting us once a year, and always told me how proud he was to see what was happening here.
He died some years ago, and it was my turn to weep. I really miss him. But every year on St. Barnabas' Day I pray for him, and give thanks to God for a good friend and mentor. Much of what I know about being a pastor, I learned from him.