Milton Olsen

Milton L. Olsen, 71, 30-year resident of Oak Harbor, died at Island Hospital in Anacortes Monday, Dec. 15, 2003.

Mr. Olsen was born in Ilwaco July 6, 1932, to Oscar Olsen and Hilga (Keiski) Olsen. He graduated from Ilwaco High School and went on to enlist in the US Navy. June 22, 1957, Ole married Emily May Carbery in Vancouver, B.C. During his years in the Navy, they moved to Corpus Christi, Texas for three years, Barbers Point, Hawaii for three years and then to Oak Harbor in 1963. In 1968, they moved to Puerto Rico for three years, returning to Oak Harbor in 1972. The couple co-owned and operated the Oak Harbor Tire Co. for 10 years, after which Milton became service manager of Berg Ford, retiring in June 1995.

Ole was a longtime member of North Whidbey Sportsmen’s Club, of which he served as president for four years, and taught hunter’s safety. He was also a member of Puget Sound Angler’s Association, an avid fisherman and a weight official for the salmon derby held by Oak Harbor Yacht Club. Other pursuits included camping, traveling and trap shooting.

Ole is survived by his son Brian Olsen and wife Debbie of Oak Harbor; three grandchildren, Sarah, Stephen and Megan Olsen; one brother, Dick Olsen of Ilwaco; and his longtime companion, Chieko Harder of Oak Harbor. He was preceded in death by his wife, Emily, Jan. 10, 1996.

A service will be Saturday, Dec. 20, 2003, at Burley Funeral Chapel, Chaplain Fred Renfroe, CDR, CHC, USN (Ret.) officiating. Interment will follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery, with military honors by Whidbey Island Naval Air Station Honor Guard. Memorials to American Heart Association.