CECIL ANDREW OLSEN
June 23, 1929 ˜ January 8, 2020
Cecil Andrew Olsen passed away on January 8, 2020, due to complications from dementia.
When Cecil wrote this brief autobiography many years ago, he had no idea it would some day be used as part of his obituary. He was born on June 23, 1929, to Arthur and Lola (Carter) Olsen.
“I was born shortly before the start of the Great Depression in a little town in Idaho called Culdesac. About a year later my parents moved to a little farm about 6 miles N.E. of Reubens, Idaho. My first two schools were one-room schools with grades 1 through 8; however, there were only 8 or 9 students in the entire school. During my 6th grade year we moved to a ranch near Craigmont, Idaho. I graduated from high school in Craigmont and enrolled in college at Northern Idaho College in Lewiston. After my second year there the state closed the school because of a slow down in the economy. I transferred to Eastern Washington State College where I earned my BA in education. I later received an MA in education at the University of Idaho.
“In the fall of 1953 I signed a contract with the Kennewick School District to teach the 5th grade for $3600 a year (Wow!). The school was a series of old army barracks. Each barracks contained three classrooms tandum style. The wind blew almost every day and sand would pile up inside the windows. Most of the students came from a couple of nearby trailer courts and their parents were workers who followed the seasonal work. My class size ranged from 35 to 45 students. The kids were great and I enjoyed them very much! I had a chance to sign a contract with the Camas School District to teach the 6th grade the next fall. I took it!
“I married my college sweetheart, Nona Franklin, and together we raised our son, Gregory, who was born in 1959.
“Camas has been good to me. I have been able to experience various roles as an educator here. I was appointed Jr. High vice principal in 1958 and in about 1960 I was appointed Jr. High principal, a position I held until about 1969 when I was asked to go back into the classroom and teach. A few years later I was asked to again be Jr. High principal. I did that until the school changed to the Middle School concept. I then took over the Driver Ed. program in the High School and was there until I retired in July of 1984.
“I have several interests and hobbies: photography, watercolor paintings, hunting, camping, fishing, traveling, dancing, but my favorite is flying, which I started doing as soon as WWII was over. I delivered groceries to earn money to fly. I took my first lesson in October, 1945, and I was hooked! I sold my interest in my last airplane a few years after I retired because it became a very expensive hobby. I’m into carving wild waterfowl now. I take great pride in my work and have won many ribbons with my lifelike show entries.
“After I retired I met and married my wife, Connie, and we have spent 35 wonderful years together, traveling and spending winters in Arizona.
“Camas is a great place to live. I have so many fond memories of my students and so many great stories to tell. Would I do it over again? You bet!”
Cecil believed in being honest, working hard and helping others whenever he could. He was known for his wry sense of humor and his ability to fracture the English language. He loved having a good time and connecting with people.
Cecil is survived by his wife, Connie, of Washougal, WA and his son, Greg.
He requested that there be no memorial service because, as he said, “My funeral could be held in a phone booth due to the amount people showing up.” and that he be buried next to his parents in Lewiston, Idaho, with a private graveside service at that time.
Greg and Connie wish to thank Cecil’s caregivers and the people at The Quarry Memory Care for the wonderful care they gave Cecil. Also, a big thank you to the SW Hospice caregivers, they are a wonderful organization!
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to PeaceHealth SW Hospice, P.O. Box 1600, Vancouver, WA 98668 or Alzheimer's Association, www.alzheimers.org.
Please sign his guest book @ www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
It was a privilege to have Mr. OLSEN for a sixth grade teacher in 1957/8 at Central School. He always shared the highest ideals and was kind to all. My condolences to his family. May peace be with them.
John Neubauer
February 8, 2020
Mr. Olsen was one of my favorite teachers at Central School in Camas. I was in his 6th grade class. I still remember him telling our class that since the warm weather was upon us, that we kids should be considerate to each other and wear deodorant. Mr. Olsen was also a good artist. He would have us draw giant murals as a class to illustrate whatever country we were studying. It was a fun way to learn. I enjoyed my 6th grade year with Mr. Olsen. I will always remember him.
Judith Weakley
January 30, 2020
The unique office at Garfield and Mr. Olsen seem one, both special memories for many Camas folks. He was a family friend and our family "borrowed" Greg for many camping trips and activities. Deepest sympathy Greg.
Lonie Lougheed
January 29, 2020
A funny, gentle and generous man who always had a smile and kind word for anyone who needed one. You will be greatly missed.
Shelley Zarrouki
January 16, 2020
Rest in Peace Mr. Olsen, you were a great man and teacher. loved reading your obituary, but disagree with the phone booth, there would be standing room only if your memorial service with held at Camas High School football field.
wina hambleton
January 16, 2020
Mr. Olsen, & wife Nona (along with son Greg) chaperoned a group of high schoolers to Europe for five weeks. I believe it was in about 1970. I was fortunate to be a member of that group. It was a wonderful trip and have fond memories of Mr. and Mrs. Olsen and Greg. Rest In Peace Mr. Olsen and condolences to the family.
Diana Heywood Emberland
January 15, 2020
I have so many fond memories of Cecil. One of my favorites was taking walks with him, Connie, and my Aunt Monte and Uncle Cecil Birdsell around Lacamas Lake. He always had a smile on his face and I felt like he was another family member. He will be dearly missed. My deepest condolences to you Conjienand Greg.
Amanda Chambers (Ritter)
January 15, 2020
A great man; I will remember his quiet demeanor and example to his students to reach for their dreams.
Cherrie Davis
January 15, 2020
I always liked Mr. Olsen as he was always kind and never "heavy handed" during my time in Jr. High School 1971-1973. The Camas School District had an excellent educator in Mr. Olsen. My condolences to Gregg and Connie in the passing of your Dad and Husband...Respectfully Submitted Stephen P. Johnson
Stephen Johnson
January 15, 2020
As a student of Garfield Junior High back in the mid 1960's, I too remember Mr. Olsen fondly. Tough when he needed to be, but always kind and fair. He Is truly a part of the memories of his former students. Comfort to his family.
Judy Carter-Barber
January 15, 2020
Mr. Olsen taught me how to drive ....officially. I knew how to drive a tractor, but you never parallel parked them. I'll never forget the time jay buhman and I were driving on the freeway to Vancouver. Mr. Olsen had a cold, and he had taken medication that put him to sleep. We just kept driving, and almost all the way to Vancouver before mr. Olsen woke up.
Alice Pratt frascone
January 15, 2020
I liked Mr. Olsen very much as a teacher, and I really appreciated his kindness and caring for the students. At the same time, I felt that he was very skilled at his profession. I was fortunate enough to have seen him and Connie briefly at a local restaurant a few years back. Anyway, he was one of my favorite teachers, and I will always think of him and his kindness and fairness toward the students with great appreciation.
Daniel Ginder
January 15, 2020
So very sad to see this about Mr Olsen he was always a very special man and so good to all the kids at school.. prayers with the family
Diane Wright McGuire
January 15, 2020
Janet Bergette Swanson harrison Harrison
January 15, 2020
Cecil was a good guy I always liked him maybe it was because he taught me to drive which as a teenager opens up new adventures.Thoughts and prayers for Greg and Connie. R.I.P. Cecil sincerely Douglas Hancock
Douglas Hancock
January 15, 2020
I have many fond memorys of Mr.Olsen and his teaching at the camas school district. Fun times driving to Vancouver in summer drivers ed classes. He was the man who taught me how much fun it was to accelerate through a curve. My deepest condolences go out to the family. Cecil will live on in the memorys of many ....
Ernie Stille
January 15, 2020
I am sorry for your loss.
As I read the obit I realized that my mother would have been
in school with Cecil in Craigmont.
fay williams
January 15, 2020
Connie & Greg, what a wonderful tribute to Cecil! He was a delightful man and will be missed.
Gail Weakley Gregg
January 15, 2020
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more