Remembering Wayne Olson

Wayne fell into the dog world quite by accident, not that anyone who knew him would ever think so. When he and Teri married in 1999, she wanted “something to cuddle with” during his long work hours. So, they got a rescued ridgeback. Teri later admits she would have been happy with a cat, which was a huge surprise to Wayne! Somehow, I am not sure anyone can imagine “Big Wayne” as a cat person!

One thing led to another, and Teri and Wayne ended up dabbling in the “dog world.” Other than each other, this is where both found their true love. Teri’s passion became conformation, for Wayne it was lure coursing. Together they built a successful dog family and presence in the dog world, and started their own kennel, Azize Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Azize dogs are known for their excellent temperaments and for how the girls can RUN!

Wayne has mentored and influenced so many lives, human and canine. He was a Breeder of Merit and handled (as a favor to Teri) many successful dogs in the ring. He was known for plotting crazy schemes and excursions to run dogs all over the country. His girl Xena has too many accomplishments to count. He was also known as “Wreck It Ralph” in the whelping room due to his love and excitement over puppies.

 “Wanna go racing?” came out of his mouth more often than not. He loved all dogs, big and small, but was partial to those who would RUN! Wayne was instrumental in lure coursing/racing in the midwest as an active member and long time President of the Minnesota Coursing Association, as a member of the Greater Twin CIties Afghan Hound Club (he didn’t even have a Afghan), and as a member of the Northland Amateur Racing Club. He was also a long time member of Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States. He chaired events at national specialties, was on several ASFA International Invitational trial committees, and was a big advocate of letting “all the dogs” run and fought for all-breed LCIs, Fast CATS, and CABTs in the midwest. His love for running dogs led Wayne become an AKC and ASFA lure coursing judge. He traveled proudly around the country to “run some dogs,” and loved to huntmaster and chair trials. He also loved cracking a cold one with friends when the trial was over.

When attending shows and trials, you would always hear, “Where’s Wayne?” He was a friend to all, and bigger than life. The only thing bigger than Wayne was his heart. His legacy will live on through his family, friends, and all “his dogs” in all venues: lure coursing, LGRA, NOTRA, Fast CATS, conformation, rally, agility, search and rescue, scent work, and most especially on the couch and in the lives of their families.

True to his character, Wayne fought a hard battle. He finally succumbed to cancer the week after his successful AKC lure course judge’s seminar. He also waited for all five of his boys to be at his side, to watch a litter of puppies come into the world, and to see his girl Xena’s eighth birthday. Until we see you again, Wayne. “Tally Ho!” and “May The Course Be With You” to all who knew him.

Celebration of life to take place at his home in Cornell, WI on July 22, 2023.

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Posted by Liz on Jul 18 2023. Filed under Featured, World News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.