Share Memories of Mr. Peach
Olin Peach passed away on April 9, 2010 at his cabin (read more here).
Mr. Peach started teaching at UCA in 1963 and has been with the school ever since. Through his career at UCA and Adventist Education, thousands of people have had the honor of knowing Mr. Peach.
If you have a memory of Mr. Peach that you’d like to share with his family and the others who knew him, please leave that memory as a comment on this page.
UPDATE: The family of Olin Peach has requested that donations be made to the Olin Peach Memorial Worthy Student Scholarship Endowment Fund in lieu of flowers.
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69 Responses to “Share Memories of Mr. Peach”
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I’m sad to hear this news, but so blessed to have known and been taught by Mr. Peach, he was truly an amazing person and teacher, and touched countless lives.
Even though History was not one of my favorite subjects while attending UCA, Mr. Peach was one of my favorite teachers. He was always so kind and patient, and truly interested in helping students better themselves. His entire family also reflected a true meaning of the word “Christians”.
He truly cared about young people, and reflected that passion in leading countless “field” trips across country.
What he shared with others on mission trips will forever remain in the hearts of those he shared with. His life was filled to overflowing with the love that he had for His Savior.
My very heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family, UCA faculty (present and past), students and others who lives were touched by his.
Olin was a golden treasure. One recent memory…..his love of mission service was unsurpassed. Last year when my college daughter (a former UCA grad and Borneo mission trip participant) was serving a mission term in Chad, Africa, she asked me to send out a request to our church for shoes for the teens in her village. They had started a running team and the kids were running barefoot on thorn/rock pecked dirt roads. Olin saw me at church the next day and said he’d seen the email and had put a brand new pair of running shoes in the mail to Africa the very next day. Olin was constant in his heartfelt concern for students, missions and the student service experience. Praise God for the life of Olin.
I first met Olin in 1963 when he came to UCA and I came to teach in Coeur d’Alene. For work that summer, I was assigned to help build a house on the UCA campus. Olin was also assigned there. We worked together that summer and then in 1976 I came to teach at UCA and our friendship continued. He was a great colleague and friend. His love for his students and his contribution to UCA is unsurpassed. I am honored to have known him. He will be missed.
Mr. Peach was one of the good guys! I didn’t especially love history at 7:25 am, but thought a lot of my soft spoken, kind teacher. The world is a sadder place without him, but one that is so much better for all the good he did, and in how he touched each of our lives as students. My heart and prayers for special comfort and peace go out to Mrs. Peach and the guys.
RIP Mr Peach ~ he was a terrific man! Enjoyed Ski club for 4 yrs and the 84 Mexico trip. He was a kid at heart. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and the UCA family. We love you Mr Peach.
I met Olin Peach when I was 14 yrs old and his influence on me has been profound. From the lessons in his classroom, to his tireless work ethic building a school in Teso Paco, Mexico, to trying to keep up with him climbing in the Austrian Alps, to chasing him down countless ski slopes – Olin’s passion for life was unlimited. His energy was only eclipsed by his seemingly boundless knowledge of history and the world around him. He was powerfully independent, yet charitable and giving of himself to the core. He taught by example and lived it. The individuals he has impacted and touched are more than anyone can likely comprehend. You will be missed Olin, but you will never be forgotten.
Olin was one in a million… He expected everything of us in the classroom, teaching us history. He lead us all into adventure, whether it was backpacking, skiing, trips to mexico/canada and into the horizon… He taught us how to work hard and play hard! He gave us tools we needed to move forward and succeed in life with. He loved us all and loved life. Anyone could tell, just by being around him. He will be greatly missed, but forever remembered! I’m so thankful to have known such an amazing man! I will miss you Mr. Peach!
Kim Kehney
I know I first met Mr. Peach when I was a just a baby during an Alumni weekend at UCA. My Mother, Wendy (Harvey) Maxted, had been a student of his and absolutly adorded Mr. and Mrs. Peach. I grew up hearing stories about Mom’s Europe Trip during the Summer of ’72 with the Peachs’ and knew that when I got to UCA I wanted to take a glass from him.
I am so glad he was still there during my UCA years (’98-’01) and that I was lucky enough to take AP History from him and go on one of those famous Borneo Missions Trips. He was once again planing a Europe Trip for the Summer of 2001 and I though it would be so great to go on this trip and have the same “Tour Guide” that my Mom had all those years before! However, we didn’t get enough student interest so the trip was canceled. I was one bummed-out girl.
My last memory–and my most favorite–happend June 24, 2007. That was the day that I got married and the last day I saw Mr. Peach. I had sent and invite just to let them know, never thinking he and Mrs. Peach would actually come. Boy, did I have a surprise! He came all the way from the cabin where he’d been working and Mrs. Peach came from Spokane to share in that special day.
I will never forget the smile that Mr. Peach was always sporting or the knowledge that he shared with all of us in and out of the class room. He brought history to life. He brought God to life through his actions. My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Peach and her family. We’ll miss him.
Mr. Peach always had a smile on his face and was my favorite teacher ever. I was blessed to have him as a teacher as were many others. He taught us all so much more than just history, he taught us how to be great people and to suceed in life.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Mr. Peach truely lived a full life, and he will be missed.
I’m so sad to hear about Mr. Peach! I enjoyed being in his Ski Club and the 1986 Mexico Trip to Teso Paco. He truly was an inspiration on how to live a very full and active life and being a true giver. You will be missed! Thank you for the memories!
Mr. Peach…Amazing in so many ways. The history classes and so much more. Pack pack trips and staying at his cabin on the way ..who could forget.
Prayers to his family.
The spring of 1972 as I’m heading into history class, Mr.Peach pulled me off to one side and asked if i was ready to go into Spokane with him that afternoon. I had this blank look on my face and he was just beaming from ear to ear. I asked why and he told me i needed to go in and get my shots for the trip to Europe in July.
He had been working with my parents and SURPRISED me with the news. I will never forget that Europe trip with Mr. and Mrs. Peach.
Then the endless energy he had. He was always running all over campus from point A to point B. He always organised the alumni fun run on sunday morning. Taught me to ski along with other students on sundays on Mt. Spokane.
My prayers are with you Mrs.Peach and your family,
I pray for the Lords soon return so your parting will not be long.
I was saddened to hear of the sudden death of Mr. Peach–what a loss to his family and all of us! Mr. Peach was my history teacher and the sponsor of our class of ’70.
I appreciated his interest in the lives of his students, who became his friends. His encouragement and caring support meant a lot to me. The last time I saw Mr. Peach was in October of 2009, when he appeared at the graveside service of my husband. I will always remember him and his kind smile. My heart goes out to Mrs. Peach and the family. May the Lord comfort you now and in the days to come, as we look forward to the resurrection. We will miss you, friend.
I was so blessed to learn to love history because of such a wonderful teacher… fortunate to spend 20 days or so in Europe with a group that he took in 1978 – He showed his kindness and protective spirit to all of us while we were there.
He was such an asset to UCA, and when you even say his name to a classmate – it is nearly automatic – there is a special memory about him that just has to be shared! One WORD – ” KIND …” that is precisely how I will remember him.
He challenged our historical thinking, and also our spiritual thinking … I know I was blessed, and am a better person today because he touched my life. A fond memory of UCA, a treasure to hold on to, and a great reason to make our salvation sure in life! I look forward to seeing him again! Our Prayers go out to the family…
Although I failed Mr. Peach’s class I always enjoyed talking to him. I will always remember his generosity towards my mother and and the love he had for life
My most recent memory of O.P.
I was talking with him at a recent Alumni Weekend at UCA. I asked him if he was still skiing. He replied, “No, I don’t ski anymore”.
That made me sad, but only for a moment because he followed immediately with, “I only snowboard these days”.
While I have experienced losses over the years, and in more recent times, nothing has hit me harder than the loss of my long-time dear and faithful friend, Olin Peach. All of our lives will be less than they were, until Jesus comes, because we won’t be able to see and be with the man that brought us all so much knowledge, energy, vision, inspiration, and love.
Olin and I became closest friends, like brothers, in the fall of 1953 when we enrolled as freshman at WWU. Over the years I was blessed to share many experiences with him. He stood up with me in my wedding in 1957. I spoke with him last a few weeks ago just before he left on his last church building mission to Borneo. Another of his gradchildren would be with him. We looked forward to sharing reports of his trip to Borneo and my concurrent trip to Bangladesh. He was planning to stay at our home on his next trip to Southern California.
Olin would be the one to quietly remind us to trust “our” Savior at a time like this. We do. It is still going to be hard to go on without him. I am so blessed to have had brother I could just call “Peach”. What a “peach” of a man! See you in the morning, Peach!
What a life! It’s hard to think of UCA without Mr. Peach in the picture. He taught history to both of my parents and I met him long before I ever went to school at UCA because mom and dad would take me to UCA for alumni weekends as a kid. I remember being in the old gymnasium at a packed alumni weekend as numerous students, parents, and teachers defended him and helped keep him from being fired (I don’t remember what had happened – just that mom and dad were on his side). Then when it was my turn to attend UCA I had pleasure of taking US History early in the morning. I think that was one of my favorite classes because we got to watch the morning news. I’ll never forget the day the Berlin Wall came down – Mr. Peach stood in front of the class with tears streaming down his cheeks. He had seen the wall go up and was finally seeing it come down. He organized a trip to Europe that summer and we helped tear that wall down with our bare hands – I think that was one of the highlights of our trip.
Mr. Peach will be missed.
Such a loss!! Mr. Peach was one of those people that it seemed like would be with us forever because he was so young at heart. In fact, the two classmates I told both said the last place they saw him was on the slopes. One of my favorite memories is in history class when someone turned his notes upside down and he didn’t miss a beat – never even noticed! I went on the ’84 Europe trip with him and what I remember most is his patience. Such a kind, patient man. After so many years of taking so many kids on so many trips around the world, it is obvious he just had a real love for us, for teaching history, and for missions. My love and prayers are with his family during this time. May God bless you and give you peace and strength.
I saw a whole new side to Mr. Peach when he started teaching health! He was really excited to share, with the class, something that was different than history! We laughed alot in that class. I also remember that applause he received on a Mexico trip (’89) when he and another teacher, Mr. Hardy, rapidly switched places driving! On that same trip, Mr. Peach wanted to go for a run, and he took off before the class. He ran about 5 miles before the bus caught up with him. We all applauded, and he grinned! His running has been an inspiration to me throught the years. I still occasionally think of Mr. Peach when I’m running a long run! I’m sorry for the loss, and greatful for an inspirational man that has touched many lives.
My memories of Olin go way back to Gem State Academy where he was in the class of ’52. His sister Leona was in my class of ’51, and since we were in a small school, we were like one big family, and knew one another quite well.
Later, Olin taught our son in law, Jim Edwards, our two children, Vicky and Dave Waters, and three grandsons, Her, Jim II, and Andy Edwards at U.C.A. They all loved him as a teacher.
Olin’s mother in law, Vera Riggins, was our neighbor when we went to work at CAA, and his sister and brother in law, Virgil and Ella Jackson, were dear friends of ours.
It just seems so sad that such a wonderful man is now resting, but the next thing he knows Jesus will be calling him in the great resurrection morning. May we all be there to greet him.
Our sincere sympathy goes to all those who mourn his loss.
My favorite part of class time with Mr. Peach was getting to watch the daily news clips that he recorded for us! Mr. Peach asked me to grade papers for him my senior year. I found out later that this job included doing all the paper work for the trip to Mexico and doing his laundry while in Salt Lake City, Utah. Those memories still make me smile. He was a pleasant man to work for.
Olin was the true definition of a gentleman. His thoughtfulness and passion for people will carry on through the lives he has touched. His dedication to the youth and God were a foundation to be built on and exemplified. Thanks for all the great work Olin and for the example you lived everyday! You will be missed.
It was Mr. Peach’s history classes in l972 and 1973 that inspired me to major in history and later become an attorney. I was blessed to have known him. Thank you, Mr. Peach
My best memories of Mr. Peach was on our 4-year senior trip in 1982 to Teso Paco Mexico. We worked our butts off just to keep up with him. His energy level was amazing!! However, he still allowed us to be crazy kids at times. You can’t replace him and UCA will never be the same without him. Thank you Mr. Peach.
Mr. Peach was such a great man and the BEST teacher I ever had. His classes were interesting and engaging and he is THE reason I still love all things to do with History today.
Mr. Peach was a wonderful teacher and a kind man! A real peach of a guy! We’ll all miss you!
There must be a special place in Heaven for people such as Mr. Peach, how loved & cared for so many other people’s children – I aim to meet him there.
I feel for his family – I’m sure they miss him more than we ever will…
My heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Peach family…
One memory I have of him is sitting in his classroom watching the last episode of M.A.S.H….He was a wonderful teacher and great man..Just another reason to look forward to Our new home…
The last time I saw Mr. Peach was at my 30 year reunion in 2004. He was one of the sponsors of the class of ’74. He apologized to the class members that were there for the way we were treated by some of the faculty. He was one of the best teachers there, but the apology showed what a Christian leader he was. Look forward to seeing him in heaven.
Mr Peach lead the outdoor ed class up Eagle Cap in the Wallowas then hiked back down and carried the pack of a student that had been lagging behind up the rest of the way. His hiking stamina was legendary as was his reading of ROOTS!
I am sad that my daughter who is planning on attending UCA next year will not have the privilege of going on a mission trip with him.
If you were to poll the students that have gone through Olin’s classroom in the past 40 odd years, I daresay the majority would name him as their favorite teacher during their years at UCA. I know he was mine. And not just while I was a student there. Whenever I visited the campus in the years since, Mr. Peach was the one I always sought out to visit with and share what had been going on in our lives. His steady, good natured presence in the classroom touched the lives of thousands of us over the years, and his memory will continue to enrich our lives for the rest of our time on this earth. As with many of those who have gone before us, I look forward to a brighter day when we will be re-united with him in a much better place. Love and prayers to his family.
Fred Horn
Class of ‘76
Our hearts go out to Mrs. Peach at this difficult time. I only went to UCA for one year but my brohter Mesach Real did and I know if he were with us today he would be deeply saddened by Mr. Peach’s passing. May God carry his family in his arms in this difficult time.
God Bless
From ’77-’79, during the summers, Mr. Peach worked construction for my Dad on homes and commerical office buildings around the Spokane Valley. My brother, Dave ’77, and I took a lot of ribbing on the job, because while every one else called him Olin, we always called him Mr. Peach.
While history was my favorite class, getting to know him outside the class room was a pleasure. He always came to work with a smile, and would maintain it, regardless of what the day held.
When visiting on Alumni week-ends, he would be one of the people I made time to see. He always had time to spend catching up with former students, and a genuine interest in their life. He will be missed. . .
“Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Matt. 5:4
Mr. Peach was an inspiration to us all. Not only with his knowledge of history in the class room but also his energy outside the class room ranging from hiking, snowboarding and most favorite service through missions. His goal was to take each of his grandchildren on a mission trip adventure he told me last time we spoke. He and one of his grandsons were signed up to go to Kyrgyzstan through Maranatha in August. He will be truly missed.
He was a father figure to me when I didn’t have one.
I never knew Mr Peach in a classroom setting, but I got to know him on our trip to Borneo. He and the rest of our sponsors made the trip so fun for all of us. If I remember correctly, he had fallen off his roof just before our trip and was supposed to be “taking it easy”. I would sure loved to have spent some time with him not taking it easy, because he was working circles around some of us kids. I know he spent most of that trip chasing me around getting mad at me for caring cement bags, lol, he thought I should let the guys do that. He was a great man. He had a kind heart and a great sence of humor.
I “met” Mr Peach when I was about 2 years old. I grew up at UCA and lived there from 1974 through 1991. He taught at UCA before my family arrived and long after we departed. Mr Peach was on the first skiing trip my Dad took me on when I was about 7 years old. Many runs later, Peach and I skied a double black diamond run at Schweitzer Mt. my senior year (he kicked my butt). I delivered the morning paper at UCA for 4 or 5 years when I was a kid, and remember he needed it delivered by 6:30 AM so he could post the headlines on the Administration building’s bulletin board (his lhasa apso used to bite me almost daily). As a child, pre-teen, and academy student, I got to spend memorable times at his cabin. I remeber using what seemed like thousands, (but were more likely a several dozen) dominos to create a crazy stairway/balcony domino drop… awesome… if you were 10, you would have thought so too :-) Backpacking trips in the Wallowa mountains both as a kid and for outdoor ed class at UCA. When the Berlin wall came down, he shed tears in class as we watched the news. I know several of us did. Four year senior trip to Sun River was awesome… Mexico trip changed my life… and his friendship after I became a man did as well. His wife and he met my family in Copenhagen a few years back. He was keen on sightseeing, so he and I left the rest behind and walked all over the city. Our afternoon included climbing the 400 steps to the top of Vor Frelsers Kirke. What a view. He touched so many lives… Thanks Peach.. Thanks so much. I feel privileged to have known you. May we cross paths again someday…
Mr. Peach, it’s so true — there aren’t enough words to explain your impact. Only after leaving high school did I really appreciate that time; and looking back, it turns out to be a magical time in one’s life. Among my best memories are the trips you organized: hiking trips in the Eagle Cap Wilderness, trips to Mexico on the bus, visiting the national parks on the way down, and of course, the ski program. Vividly remember seeing you on the slopes. A bunch of us students might be skiing together, dawdling along, and you would come whizzing by. Inspiring ! Your time and effort organizing those activities brought us outdoors. You understood how valuable that was. I remember your Dodge Ram pickup, which I always thought was really cool. Well, Mr. Peach, you can truly rest in peace and my wish is that your spirit knows what a great, wonderful impact you had on so many people. I hope my kids are lucky enough to have a teacher like you…
The News of Mr Peach passing on in a tragic accident hit me pretty hard. Mr Peach embodies all that is good about Upper Columbia Academy. I was friends with all of his sons at one time or other and I was always made to feel as I was just one of the boys when I was there. Wow there are so many memories I will have to think of which to choose and come back here and post it. Truly a great man has passed on. May he rest in peace.
My acquaintance with Olin goes back to Gem State Academy, where we were classmates for 2 years. Johnny Hamilton, another student at GSA, reminded me that the three of us were known as ” the three musketeers”. We did do a number of things together, and these are memories that will not fade very soon. We did send our three children to UCA, and as expected,took history classes from Olin. As others have said, history was not their thing, but memories of Olin are special. Whenever we were up to UCA , Olin would always share with us his passion for history, and also his passion for going to Borneo on those mission trips. His passion was infectious, as many students wanted to do the same thing.
Such an icon as Olin will be most difficult to match, nor should it happen. He was one of a kind, and will certainly be missed sorely. Our prayers and thoughts go out to all the family members who will realize their loss in the days to come, but do look forward to our Saviour’s coming, when we can be united again.
A former classmate, Lou Johnson
Mr. Peach was one of my favorite teachers at UCA–I never found History classes to be that interesting before that–but he helped me to understand how history repeats itself, and how we can learn from our personal and collective history and make our world a better place to live. He led me to a better understanding of the true controversy between good and evil in the world–both politically and spiritually. I know several people who became teachers, in part, because of his influence and example
Mr. Peach had a great sense of humor, and never seemed ruffled by the jokes students would play in class–like the day someone taped a Farrah Fawcett poster onto his pull down map–as I recall he saw us snickering, looked over his shoulder, smiled, and just rolled it back up. No fussing–no yelling–no guilt trip. That was “cool” personified. .
I hope his family can see in each of these posts the loss we all feel, and rejoice in the difference he made in so many lives over the years. Thank you for unselfishly sharing him with all of us.
In reading all these comments about Olin Peach, I just couldn’t help but shed a tear. Each comment brought back memories. I had the privilege of being a fellow staff member at UCA with him for eight years, from 1975 to 1983. and it’s true–he was always known as a demanding and thorough teacher (many of his students were able to get college credit after taking his classes), but also had that unique ability to make his students enjoy his classes. Hiss energy and enthusiasm for anything and everything having to do with students, as well as various building projects, helping fwllow teachers, etc., were legendary. UCA will never be the same without him.
I grieve with his family. Let’s all plan to meet him on a backpacking trip or a ski slope or a building project in Heaven (or even on a mission trip–will there be mission trips there. . . .? Maybe to other worlds where they have never experienced the forgiveness and compassion of our Saviour as we have).
I was hardly an academic standout at UCA, but I always enjoyed history classes with Mr. Peach. He made history come alive like no other teacher. I have carried the knowledge I gained from his classes with me, recalling many of his comments and wise interpretations as I have visited historic sites that were discussed in his classes. The numerous hiking and camping trips that he led will always be cherished. Mr. Peach knew how to make young people feel comfortable, and always had a kind word He knew just when to give a word of encouragement, Seeming to know when it was needed most. He is one of the reasons I have been successful in my teaching career, and his life of selfless service stands as an example for us all. One of my favorite memories of mr. Peach is that of hearing him tell the story of how he got the bridge built across the “creek” on the path to the church. At our 30th. year reunion, he related how, when he could not get permission to build the much needed bridge, he went out in the middle of the night with a shovel during a heavy rain , and “helped” the the creek wash out the culvert and the surrounding stream bed. Our class got to experience the Peach energy and creativity as we built the bridge as our class gift to the school. As I look back, it seems that we got a much greater gift in the company of Mr. Peach. You will be sorely missed…..see you in the Morning!
Our heart goes out to Viola and family at this great loss of their loved one. It was special to be on the staff at UCA at two different times and to have the Peaches as our neighbors and friends. We know that Jesus is coming soon and we will see him in the morning!
I remember those EARLY morning history classes. If I remember correctly, I did my best to stay awake, but not because of the teacher, just the early hour…Mr. Peach made history interesting, and I had forgotten about his reading of Roots until now, but the memory of everything to do with this class has brought a smile to my face. He will be missed, and our prayers and thoughts go out to the family of this great teacher. God bless…
Olin is one of those teachers that so fully exemplify the dedicated Christian teacher…”What happens academically in the classroom is only part of the picture”. What a positive impact he has had on the young people that attended UCA. This world will truly miss Olin Peach, but only eternity will tell the whole story of his impact beyond the campus of UCA. Just one of the reasons we will look forward to Resurrection Morning!
I remember that first period US history class. The lights would dim, and on would come the news…..
He made us memorize all those Early 20th Century pieces of legislation, and it wasn’t until I furthered my education in nursing that I would be reading about a particular piece of legislation and almost recall the page of the history book where I had to memorize it.
On our trip to Mexico in 1986, he was always full of energy. He was steady as they come, and he always had a grin.
I will never forget the lessons I learned in his classes my senior year. The day we started the news, and watched the space shuttle blow up. I don’t think we took notes at all that day…..but talked about what we had just witnessed.
I can say that my appreciation for history grew in his classroom.
Mr. Peach would challenge all of us high-school students that he taught to beat him at Bloomsday (7.5 mile race in Spokane), I don’t think anyone ever beat him. And he consistently was listed in the newspaper in the top of his age group. I was also impressed one time that he told me he hadn’t had a ‘cold’ in many years. Olin was about the most active, healthful guy you could meet. Not to mention haveing a humble, serving spirit (the kind of spirit Jesus admires). Just a few weeks ago at our Sabbath School class, at South Hill Adventist Church, Olin shared with us about his upcoming mission trip to Borneo, he would be overseeing 80+ people, on his umpteenth mission … to Bornea, building and spreading the gospel of Christ (not to mention other mission lands like Mexico). It is fitting that he has been called into eternity, fit, and doing what he loved: being in the wilderness…after just returning from another mission for His Father, God. I believe someday we’re going to find out there is more to death than we’ve come to understand…”my ways are not your ways,” says God. For it seems the best among us, those who have graduated from this school called earth, are often called home by an early bell.
We will miss you Olin, but only for a little while, as we will see you soon! “Well done good, and faithful servant, come and enjoy your Master’s happiness!” (Mt. 25)
To the Peach Family–I am so sorry for the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. I have enjoyed reading all of the memories that people have of Mr. Peach. His commitment to Christian education, Upper Columbia Academy and its students is so apparent. I never had the opportunity to take any trips with him, but I remember being amazed at his wealth of knowledge while taking a couple of classes from him. He had his notes with him, but didn’t seem to need them. He was always a constant, calm presence on campus. I will look forward to seeing him again in Heaven one day very soon.
I’d just like to say that I had fond memories as a student. I enjoyed skiing with him watching those orange colored Olin skiies swooshing down the slopes! We will all miss him so much!
I pray that God will wrap his loving arms around his family at this time of need.
Love,
Scott
So sad for Mr. Peach’s family… such a tragic loss!! I have never forgotten how If it were not for Mr. Peach, I would not have been able to accelerate from the class of 1979 to the class of 1978 and graduate with honors… He helped me get enrolled into a correspondence course in History and mentored me through it as I doubled up to move forward and graduate early. He was truly one of the most selfless people I have ever known. May you rest in peace! We all mourn with your family of your passing!
Over the many years that I was fortunate to chat with Mr. Peach – as he took so many different roles, teacher, friend, staff, volunteer, church member…. it was always so amazing how much he would remember about what all of his “students” were doing. He was always interested in projects of all types – community, school, church and business. It was always a delight to see his eyes light up as you would tell him about a classmate or a new project that was being pursued. It is a huge loss to the world that he will not be here to cheer us all on. He was a gift. Courage to all the family. We grieve with you.
R.I.P. Mr. Peach…I will always remember his patience with our class, especially us “Canadian” students. LOL. He was so good at remembering facts and details. He made his classes interesting and helped me gain a better understanding of Northwest History. Whenever there was mischief in the class he would look over to that student and say their name or just stop and look at them thru his glasses. You would know that is was time to pay attention. LOL. Our Mexico trip was one I will never ever forget. So many memories. Thank you Mr. Peach. You are in my thoughts and I truly look forward to meeting you in heaven someday and hearing about all your heavenly history stories.
UCA has lost one of it’s Guardian Angels. Mr. Peach may be at the head of the class for that position in heaven some day. He has guarded over and guided young people (and not so young) all his life. I pray we can all be so sure of our mission hear on earth and execute it with such grace an true joy.
Our first trip with Olin Peach was in 1979 the 4 year seniors, a larger than normal group. Our daughter Jan assured him we would be happy to help out and we did. This started a friendship that has lasted all these years with many 4 year senior trips, mission trips and a couple to Europe.
I could always count on Olin to be at the kitchen in the morning helping me prep breakfast, especially the pineapple, papaya and always avacados anytime. Never any onions. Olin valued all those that traveled with him.
It is a treasure to have Olin as our friend and see him in action..What energy..passion..commitment he had for life and the youth, wanting them to see something more, reaching out to experience a larger different world.
We shared the same goal of taking each of our grandchildren on a mission trip. Our first grandchild/daughter was able to experience a trip with Olin in 2009.
Our many fond memories will help fill the emptiness and may this help you also. What a day of rejoicing it will be when we all see Jesus. May we rejoice together on the sea of glass.
I remember Mr. Peach as a quiet but happy guy. He had that smile and light chuckle in most situations good and bad. I can’t say that I remember much of the history he taught, it wasn’t my thing then, I did enjoy the daily live morning news he used to play for us.
My senior year I had the great idea of having him help me ask someone to one of the banquets. He helped me video myself asking this person to the banquet and then when the next morning came to play the news reel he always had, my video invitation played instead. It was a fun and he was great about letting me do this.
He also never made a big deal in the Spring when several of used to skip his class to go sit out in the sun. He could see us out his window during class, but never made us feel bad about it.
He was a good guy and one of the few that I can still distinctly hear chuckling and talking. He was a “distinct” person and I am just sorry I was never able to go on any trips with him.
My prayers are with you Peach family, may God give you peace and comfort in this heart breaking time.
While most Sabbath-Keeping gill net fishermen were sleeping on Sabbath afternoon ,Mr. Peach was out visiting and handing out tracts in the small village of South Naknek Alaska one summer in the mid 90′s. It seems he wore his faith on his sleeve for all to see. A great example to many……………. Many great Escapes on Mt. Spokane over the years with Mr. Peach !!!!
I struggled with History. If it wasn’t for Mr. Peach I would have failed the class. He bent over backwards and helped me succeed. It was in his class that I learned to enjoy watching the news. I will always remember him for the great Christian teacher that he was. I pray I can be half the teacher he was. I look forward to seeing him in heaven.
My fondest memories of Mr. Peach are from the Mexico Trip in ’88. I sat near the front of the bus and enjoyed Mr. Peaches running commentary on the history of the places we passed. It fascinated me that he could know the history of everything we passed by.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in this time of great loss.
The death of Mr Olin Peach is a great lost to Sarawak mission, as he has been leading UCA students coming to Sarawak for the last 14 years and help to build a total of 20 churches. My mind still refuse to accpet the fact that his is no more with us because for the past 14 years I have known him as a great friend to have. Beside leaving behind 20 churces in Sarawak, his life has made a great impact to the people of Borneo. During each mission trip, it never fail to attract new believers as the volunteers build the church and the new believers came and help to build the church. After the group left, through the impact of the group many families in the longhouses joint the church. The mission project always turn out to be an evengelism itself.
As the two of us working together in arranging the logistics and work program, he was always first to arrive but the last one to get out with me in any events. When finishing the concrete to the floor, he alway skip lunch, and the last one to walk out of the church at night. At one time, the villager to told he allempt to walk 7 km back to the longhouse because I was late in sending the transport to pick him up.
I was suppose to bring to him a sliver plaque with me when I stop by Spokane on my way to GC session in honor of his 14 trips to Borneo and stay with him in his cabin ( which he wrote a lot about it in his e-mail), now, I find myself having the vacuum in my life with his sudden departure. The future mission trip will be different with out his presence and leading.
Good bye my friend, till we meet again.
One of my favorite memories of Mr. Peach is during Rec ski my senior year (’98). His love for skiing and snowboarding had him bringing both types of equipment to Silver Mountain so that he could switch off after lunch.
I saw him eating in UCA’s cafe right before this years Borneo trip and asked him if he still boarded and he said “Yes I was up there yesterday”
Mr. Peach was an amazing teacher and will be greatly missed.
The first time I met Peach my freshman year, he asked me if I was related to a certain woman. After I told him that person was my aunt, he grinned and said he went to Gem State with her. Peach was such a fun and easy-going conversationalist. Seemed like he always had a story or an adventure to tell. And it didn’t matter what age; he could easily talk with anyone. Teso Paco, Mexico – every time I think of that trip, Peach is in the middle of every thought. He taught me how to lay brick and ask for more mortar – but he also taught me how to do it with a smile. Peach is the one who got me hooked on the news. I appreciate reading and listening to the news, I feel, because he taught me it was important to be informed every day and to develop discernment about what I learn from the news.
I was able to visit with him several times as we’ve visited the campus over recent years. Each time, I was impressed about how he could remember what we talked about previously (I couldn’t) – with several months in between. He’d ask follow-up questions and say, “Remember that trip I told you about…” I especially remembered the trip he took driving over half the country with a broken hip! What an amazing man. When our son, Sidney, decided to go on his first UCA mission trip to Boreno this year, I was excited that he, too, was able to go on a mission trip with Peach. When I went over to him during the last Borneo meeting we were able to attend, Peach said, “Looks like I have your son Sidney along this trip!” What a sweet man. It warmed my heart. I knew Sidney was in great hands.
One last thought: Peach had such a great, distinctive voice. I can still hear him…
Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with you all. May Jesus come soon.
I am grateful to have known Olin. I went on 4 of the Borneo trips, and got to witness first hand how Olin’s love and enthusiasm for life touched so many people. He had a way of making each person feel very needed and special.
August 25 1990. A day that will remain in my memory for a couple of reasons, but one is because Olin Peach walked up to me and asked if I was related to Harry. Grubbs. Little did he know that this simple question took away a big lump in the pit of my stomach. I knew instantly that I had at least 2 friends in Spangle, and the years proved that to be true. Through out our years together we always had a common bond. He had worked with my brother at Broadview Academy in Illinois. From the trips to the ski hills to the trips to Mexico, how could anyone not learn that this man was the only one of his kind. Those that took his mission trips, and continue to do so, will leave a protion on Olin Peach in every school, hospital, dormitory, or church that they build where ever they build them.
UCA was given a special gift in Olin Peach. As Alumni Director, I delighted in seeing him arrive early at every Alumni weekend meeting. He stood at the door in order to catch as many of his friends as he could… It’s true that he had an big impact on many lives … but you impacted his life with joy as well… May the inspiration of his dedication live on in all of you as you pick up where he left off…
Dear Viola,
It is with a sad heart that I write this note to you. Just heard of the passing of Olin. I am so sorry, what a loss, there are no word to say…..I have missed seeing you over the years at our class reunions, maybe sometime you can make it….would love to see you.
Just know that there are alot of people praying for you and family. the Lord is with us thru it all and it makes him sad too.
Love and Prayers,
Marlene
After reading what follow students have said about Mr. Peach. What can I say. One of my memories of Mr. Peach. A very good friend of mine was killed in a car accident at the end of my Jr. year. I wanted to go to the funeral but I had a U.S. history final. Mr. Peach said to me ” I don’t usually do this but in this case I will let you take your test early”. He was a very understanding person. The man had drive and purpose like no other. UCA is a better place because of him. May you rest in your Saviour, And we’ll see you in that Morning Mr. Peach.