Howard Stanley Olsen

Howard S. Olsen passed away on Sunday Jan. 28, 2007, in Everett at the age of 80. Howard never lost his sense of humor, all the while joking with the staff, bringing smiles to everyone up to the very end.

He was born on Camano Island on Nov. 16, 1926, to Melvin and Alma Olsen of Utsalady. He attended Utsalady Grade School and Stanwood High School before joining the U.S. Navy. After returning from the war he attended Pacific Lutheran College to study mathematics.

Howard married his high school sweetheart, Beatrice Hansen, on Sept. 17, 1948, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Stanwood.

Howard and Bea lived and raised their family in Oak Harbor. His early work life included logging and commercial fishing in Alaska with his uncle Carl Huntington. Fishing continued as an important part of his life when in 1984, he partnered with his son-in-law on the fishing vessel JoBe where he referred to himself as the Chief Cook and Bottle Washer. After 30 years of government service, he retired on June 30, 1989, where he was recognized as a pioneer in computer technology for the U.S. Civil Service.

The year following his retirement he became the Potentate of the Nile Shrine in Seattle. He was passionate about the Shiners’ mission to help children. He was an active member of many of the Masonic organizations, where he served as Master of Camanio Lodge, Patron of Tula Chapter of Eastern Star, numerous times as Rainbow Dad, and served as Grand Marshal of the Grand Lodge of Washington. Howard and Bea made many life long friends during the years they were involved with the Shiners. You probably saw him driving in a multitude of parades in his little green and yellow truck.

Howard loved children, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and they all loved him dearly.

Howard made a tremendous impact on the lives of many people, with his sense of humor, gift of story telling, keen wit, great love of the outdoors (many animals are now breathing a sigh of relief, while fear runs rampant in the happy hunting grounds in the sky), dedication to his family, and great love of life. He made a difference and leaves each of us enriched by having him as a brother, father, grandfather, and friend. He will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by Beatrice, his wife of 49 years. And his departure is joined by his beloved pet Yorky, Gracie.

Howard is survived by daughters Judith (husband Phil Wade) Olsen, Jean (husband Ray) Mamales and Joan (husband Steve) Waldron; siblings Mel (wife Trudy) Olsen, Thor (wife Alicia) Olsen, and State Sen. Mary Margaret (husband Basil Badley) Haugen; and sister-in-law Lillian (husband Bud) Barnes. He will continue to be cherished by his nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Howard’s memory to the Nile Shriners Children’s Hospital Transportation Fund.

Arrangements under the direction of Gilbertson Funeral Home, Stanwood.