Kenneth Vincent "Vince" Olzawski was an outdoorsman at heart, and probably would have preferred we celebrate his life on the banks of a good fishing hole or in a deer stand. Born August 23, 1950, he passed away on another hot summer's day - July 10th, 2022. He was just shy of his 72nd birthday. Vince was the first child of Tom and Lois Olzawski, named after his mother's uncle, Kenneth Montgomery, and his Polish grandfather, Wincenty Olzawski. Vince was a serious student and a curious child, which translated to a love for learning and debate. He attended Monte Cassino in early elementary school, graduated from St. Pius X Middle School, attended Bishop Kelley High School and graduated from Nathan Hale High School in 1967. He played baseball when he wasn't hunting, fishing, or racing his homing pigeons. Vince began his college career at St. Benedict College in Atchison, Kansas, due to its proximity to wonderful hunting property as rumor has it, graduating from the University of Tulsa where he was a proud member of Sigma Chi fraternity. Vince put his intellect and life challenges to work for others when he pursued a master's degree in Counseling from Langston University. It is also noteworthy that Vince had an artistic bent and beautiful penmanship. Initially planning to be a veterinarian, Vince decided that probably wasn't the best idea for his future career as he wanted to bring home every abandoned animal during his time as a veterinary assistant. He rescued what would become his mother's favorite pet, a sweet toy poodle with a deformed hip and leg named Dax. Vince turned his aptitude for science and math into a career in Optometry, graduating from the Southern School of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. He sincerely cared for each individual patient and was known for lengthy chats, much to the chagrin of his office assistants trying to run the office in a timely fashion. "Dr. O" worked as an Optometrist in Tulsa until 2000 when his health took an unfortunate turn and his focus turned to life-saving kidney dialysis. Diagnosed on Christmas Eve, 1958, with juvenile onset diabetes, Vince was a warrior for his well being from an early age. His Polish stubbornness and deeply rooted faith served him well as he battled many health issues throughout his lifetime. Vince stayed focused on the life he wanted, not the circumstances in which he found himself at the time.

He endured dialysis as a means to an end, concentrating on the transplant he knew would bring about freedom from that routine, always encouraging others at the clinic. One miraculous morning at 2am, Vince received the call that not only a kidney, but also a pancreas, were available to him at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. He and Carol didn't waste a moment leaving Tulsa to receive this precious gift of life which allowed him to live his best life for over 20 years. However, we're not sure what Vince was thinking when he only packed only a swimsuit, underwear, a tee shirt or two and socks for this life-changing event, prompting Carol to have to immediately leave to buy him pants upon arrival at Baylor. Vince remained forever grateful to the family who chose to donate their loved one's organs for his benefit and carried that gratitude with him daily. When Vince became an amputee following a 5-month battle with a staph infection, he didn't wallow in self-pity. Instead, he turned his loss outward, and adopted helping others with different abilities as his life's mission. He was on a constant lookout for accessible hunting leases and fishing holes. He found peace in nature and wanted others to share in that escape from the reality disabilities often bring. He was recognized for his work with the Paralyzed Veterans of America as Associate Member of the Year in 2016-2017 but was never boastful to others about his recognition. Vince was an active member of the Tulsa Rod and Gun Club, the Tulsa Chapter of Ducks Unlimited and the Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges. He hunted and fished as frequently as possible with Emily, his dad, brother, cousins and friends. One of his proudest accomplishments was founding the wildly successful Oklahoma Wildlife Art Show in 1977 which continues through the Nature Conservancy. The entire family helped make his dream for this show a reality and all became richer in knowledge and relationships because of it. His art collection and knowledge of wildlife artists was quite impressive. When Vince's daughter, Emily, was born, his life's purpose became clear. He was completely infatuated and wholly dedicated to her from the moment he met his tiny 1 lb 13 oz daughter. The feeling was mutual, as she never wanted to be far from her daddy - he even had to wear her while mowing the lawn! They traded daily Bible verses and motivational messages via text messaging and lifted each other up in good times and sad. Emily was the absolute light of Vince's life until his last breath. Carol "completed" Vince and was his True North. His wife, best friend and endless supporter, her patience and love strengthened him and gave life to his days. Vince spoke with such pride when referring to her, her professional and personal accomplishments. He loved her children as his own, most especially the grandchildren. He lit up talking and laughing about them and was a joy to watch interact with them. When the family gathered for the holidays and the children and grandchildren were near, Vince was at his happiest. Christmas, Thanksgiving, 4th of July, Easter, and birthdays were celebrated with good food, joy and laughter. Hearts and bellies were full as Vince and Carol delighted in the family that love built. Vince enjoyed a good pun, a challenging puzzle, and laughing until he cried. The family has memories galore of his wit and wisdom. However, Vince would probably most like to be remembered for his devotion to his family, and the loyal practice of his Catholic faith. He will be sorely missed by his companions at daily mass. We rejoice in knowing his work here is complete and are confident he was greeted by his Lord and Savior with the words, "well done, my good and faithful servant."

Vince is survived by his devoted wife, Carol; his precious daughter, Emily; his treasured stepchildren Tina (Scot) Lindenau of Tulsa; Amanda (John) Dussling of Broken Arrow; Brent (Ashley) Wolfe of Verdigris; his adored grandchildren Makayla, Andy, Sierra Preston, and Juliet Wolfe; Megan Lindenau; Peyton and Ryan Dussling; loving parents, Tom and Lois Olzawski of Tulsa; five siblings Vicki (Gary) Robinson of Conroe, Texas; Susan Barrett of Tulsa; Carl (Michele) Olzawski of Waterford, Virginia; Patti Barker of Tulsa, Julie (Steve) York of Gilmer, Texas; 21 nieces and nephews and 13 great nieces and nephews. He leaves behind a plethora of friends and hunting and fishing buddies who will miss him "deerly". Vince was preceded in death by his grandparents, Edith Montgomery Patton and Wincenty and Helen Olzawski, all of Okmulgee, and his beloved dog, Yogi.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Vince's memory to The Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges at https://www.tulsacenter.org/get-involved/donate/ or The Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges, 815 S. Utica Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74104.

A Rosary will be held at Church of the Madalene, Thursday, July 21st at 7:00pm

A Memorial Service will be held at Church of the Madalene, Friday, July 22nd at 11:00am

Moore - Southlawn Chapel
918-663-2233