Robert Dean Olson

Robert (Bob) Dean Olson died peacefully at home in Edmonds, WA on November 26, 2013, following a year-long illness. He was 82 years old. Bob was born in Mason City, Iowa, August 22, 1931, to Kenneth Gerhardt Olson and Marjorie Ellen (Zea) Olson. The family moved to the Pacific Northwest in 1937, first to Bellingham, WA and then to Burlington, WA where his father established Olson Lumber Company. Bob spent 46 years in the lumber and building materials business in Burlington, WA, Portland, OR, and the Greater Seattle area. He graduated from Burlington Edison High School in 1949, attended Western Washington University, and served in the Air Force during the Korean conflict from 1951-1955. Bob enjoyed golfing, boating on Puget Sound, and woodworking. He spent countless hours volunteering at local hospitals and care facilities with his loyal Pet Partners therapy dog, Bart. When health permitted, he also enjoyed cheering on his grandchildren at their various sports events. He was a gentle man whose smile was worth a million words. Bob and his wife, Hallie Watson Olson, shared 25 wonderful years together with their children, Kenneth (Adelle) Olson, Robert (Melanie) Olson, Barbara Strachan, John (Florida) Strachan, Martha Strachan (Robert Dedinsky), and David (Sonya) Strachan. Their beloved grandchildren were his pride and joy and include James, Laura, Nathan, Sarah, Rebecca, Joseph, Samuel, Amanda, Robin, Victor, Marco, Brooke, Mallory, Clara and Tatum. Also dearly loved were their great-grandchildren Jade, Gemini, Natalia and James. He valued his time with dear friend, Crispin Enguerra and brother-in-law, Albert J. Malcolm (Elizabeth) Watson. Bob was pre-deceased by his father, Kenneth, his mother, Marjorie, and his brother, David Olson. A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 21, 2013, 1 PM, Holy Rood Chapel, 205 NE 205 th St., Shoreline, WA 98155. Interment with military honors to follow immediately. The family wishes to thank Providence Hospice, Everett, for their compassionate care as well as Visiting Angels for helping at a time of great need. We are forever grateful for your presence. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or a charity of your choice. Announcement: In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or a charity of your choice.