Kory Vernon Olson

Kory Vernon Olson, passed away at the Yavapai Regional Medical Center in Prescott, Arizona on Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at the age of 30. Kory struggled with addiction and tried so hard to overcome it, but it ultimately claimed his life. Our family finds comfort in knowing he passed peacefully surrounded by friends and family.
Kory was born on July 24,1989 in Duluth, MN to Fawn Marie (Olson) Reynolds and Timothy Scott Paitrick. As a boy, he enjoyed skateboarding, bmx bike, and playing video games. He spent much of his time exploring the neighborhood with friends, building forts in the woods behind his childhood home and camping, fishing and swimming with his family. He graduated from Cloquet Senior High School in 2007. It was around this time, Kory began his journey with drug use. This journey brought Kory into the darkest places imaginable and yet, he fought, year after year, one day at a time, through countless treatment programs to recover. 
In early 2014, Kory made the decision to leave home and admitted himself into a treatment program in Prescott, Arizona. He had found success, having periods of sobriety for up to 2 years, and also experiencing periods of relapse. Despite living within a seemingly hardened system against addicts, Kory became a part of a community and built deep relationships with peers in treatment, social workers, therapists, public defenders, probation officers and counselors who got to know him and advocated for him and believed in him. He held several jobs; Hotel receptionist at Hassayampa Inn, Kitchen staff at Tara Fine Thai Cuisine, Roofer with Legacy Roofing, Wildfire prevention with Arrow Fire and Land Management, Laborer with Specialty Paving. Kory had built a life in Prescott, and was loved for his caring nature, sense of humor, and his will to persevere.
Kory's legacy was so much more than the addiction. He is remembered as a handsome, witty and deeply loving soul. He enjoyed listening to music and getting tattooed by his best friend and "brother" Justin (Juice). He was a devoted son, tenderhearted brother, adoring grandson, nurturing uncle, and top-notch friend. Kory was a blessing in the lives of everyone he met and each moment spent with him was cherished and never taken for granted. He will be greatly missed.
Kory is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Vernon "Butch" Olson Jr., James Paitrick, and David R. Reynolds, and his brother Jonathan Reynolds. He is survived by his parents, Fawn (Olson) Reynolds and David Reynolds, and Tim Paitrick, his siblings: Kyra (Beau) Paitrick-Johnson, Kaysee (Will) Olson-Edwards, Nathan Affield, Sara (Ron) Paitrick-LaDean, Amber Johnson, Adrianne Reynolds, and Nathan Reynolds, his grandparents Joanne (Porter) Olson, Donna (Reed) Sullinger and Royce Sullinger, and Leann Reynolds, nieces Kloee and Kallee, nephew Brawn, and countless aunts, uncles, and cousins.
The family invites anyone who knew and loved Kory to a Celebration of Life, either in Prescott, Arizona on September 6, 2019 at Ten Toes Down Tattoo at 5:30 pm, or in Cloquet, Minnesota on September 21, 2019 at Dunlap Island Park from 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm.
If you personally struggle with addiction, know that everyday is a new chance and every breath you take is a fresh start. Hundreds of thousands of families who have lost someone to this disease are praying and rooting for you. We pray with all our hearts that you can and will make it. It is never too late.
If you are reading this with judgment, educate yourself about this disease. It is not a choice or a weakness. Chances are very good that someone you know is struggling with it, and that person needs and deserves your empathy and support.If you work in one of the many institutions through which addicts often pass — rehabs, hospitals, jails, courts — please remember they are not just a "junkie" but a human being in need of your compassion, respect and support.