Robert Olsen

Ocean Park resident Robert J. "Bob" Olsen, 84, died November 13, 2007 at his residence. The son of Louis and Gladys (Ennis ) Olsen, he was born August 24, 1923 in Spokane, Washington. At an early age he moved with his family to rural Clark county where he graduated from Ridgefield High School in 1941. While in high school and for two years after graduation he was a farm hand in the Ridgefield area. On October 17, 1942 he married Hazel Williams, a schoolmate he had known since first grade. On March 26, 1943 he was drafted into the US Army, serving with the 153rd Engineering Construction Battalion in the South Pacific until 1946. With his military duty over he returned to Clark county where he began a career as a mechanic in Vancouver area fruit and vegetable canneries including Del Monte. Later he worked for Beale Pipe & Tank Co. before finishing his working days at Steinfeld's Products in Scappoose. He was a member of the Teamsters Union. Twenty years ago he moved to Ocean Park where he enjoyed the quiet life. Over the years Bob enjoyed fishing (always from shore), family camping trips, tending to his garden and berries, and tinkering in his shop. He knew that in his retirement years he needed to stay active so he was always fixing or doing something. He enjoyed many canine companions, most recently his beloved "Puppy". Bob loved his entire family, especially his grand and great-grandchildren. Besides his wife of 65 years, Bob is survived by daughter Marie (Ted) David of Long Beach; sisters Lois of Chandler, AZ and Berneice of Lake Stevens, WA; grandsons Robert and William (Kristie) David; and great-grandchildren Justin, Brianna, Amanda and Keegan. Bob's family will gather to celebrate his life. Memorials may be made to the South Pacific County Humane Society, PO Box 101, Long Beach, Washington 98631 and the guestbook may be signed at www.penttilaschapel.com.