Obituary of Oloff Sohlberg

"A leader is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind." Nelson Mandela The world has lost a great man. Olof Erick Sohlberg died suddenly on April 25th. He was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on February 9th, 1960. He grew up in Missoula, Montana and went on to attend Stanford University where he met his wife McKay in their freshman dorm and their 33 year love story began. Olof graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Stanford. He and McKay were married on June 19, 1983. Olof went on to complete medical school and residency at the University of Washington in Seattle. Olof and McKay began their family in Seattle and moved to Eugene in 1992 where Olof joined McKenzie Urology Group. His most important life's work was the raising of his three daughters Ericka, Tatum and Emma in partnership with McKay. He was a hands-on father who worked in his children's classrooms, taught them to ski, cycle and backpack and took them trekking in remote places around the globe. He opened their worlds by involving them in politics, teaching them about social justice and sharing his passion for the arts and music. Mostly he was a gentle Daddy who at the end of the day always had time to draw his family onto his lap and discover what was on their minds. He loved his girls and McKay so completely and so selflessly that even in their profound grief, they feel blessed beyond words. Olof was an extraordinary healer. A skilled surgeon and a compassionate listener, he was beloved by patients and colleagues. He was instrumental in helping build the Oregon Urology Institute, a nationwide model of excellence. He was the inspiration and work behind establishing the Oregon Urology Foundation dedicated to providing indigent care and healthcare services to those in need. He served on countless committees and boards furthering medical care in our community. Of great importance to Olof was working with Lane County's 100% Access Initiative dedicated to providing services to people without healthcare insurance. Other service included his work on the vestry at St. Mary's Episcopal Church where he worshipped and nurtured his spirituality. Olof was a Montanan at his core. Growing up in Missoula, he spent his summers at Flathead Lake with his backpacking, fun-loving and cherished parents, Steve and Marcille, brothers, Rolf and Sten, and sister, Kristen. There he grew into an avid outdoorsman and elite athlete. Olof was known to be a "personal tormentor" to his fellow cyclists. He could ski any mountain, run marathons, and effortlessly carry the heaviest backpack up the steepest peak. Olof was a great friend to many. He and McKay and their girls were circled by longtime Eugene friends that frequently and joyfully shared family meals, the outdoors and mutual parenting. Their home was a place of celebration and festivity. Olof's spirit of fun, kindness, and his insightful, reflective listening nourished everyone around him. Everyone loved Olof. He has inspired us to continue what he started. The community is invited to celebrate Olof's life on Saturday May 7th at 2:00 p.m. in the South Eugene High School Auditorium. In lieu of flowers those wishing to make donations in Olof's memory can contribute to: Oregon Urology Foundation "http://www.theouf.org" and click on the link entitled "Donations in the Memory of Olof E. Sohlberg, MD" Donations can also be mailed to Olof E. Sohlberg, MD Memorial Fund Oregon Urology Foundation 2400 Hartman Lane, Suite 300 Springfield, OR 97477 or Oregon Stand for Children www.stand.org/or and click on "make a donation"