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JEFFREY "JEFF" OLSON
January 26, 1947~May 2, 2011
Jeff Olson, 64, unexpectedly passed away at home on May 2, 2011. He was born January 26, 1947 in Snohomish where his heritage is deeply rooted. As a child, he moved with his family to Bremerton before they settled in Lacey. Together with his parents and sisters, Jeff helped build Faith Lutheran Church where he spent considerable time in his youth. After graduating from North Thurston High School in 1965, Jeff attended Centralia Community College. As it was the Vietnam era, he elected to enlist in the Army. He served his country as a military police officer in Seoul along the DMZ. The Army eventually took Jeff to Southern California where he met Phyllis Roach. She became his life's devotion, and the two were married on July 4, 1970. Soon thereafter, Jeff returned to Washington with his bride and established Olson Sales & Service with his father. In 1971, his son was born, followed by his daughter in 1972. In 1974, Jeff moved his young family to Vancouver, which has been his home ever since. After the family business dissolved, Jeff established his next business, Tahoe, named for his love of Lake Tahoe as well as for the Chevy truck. In addition to being self- employed, Jeff worked tirelessly for Innovative Services NW for the past 10 years. Jeff worked every possible moment to provide the best life for the family he loved so much. Although deeply passionate about his work, nothing took precedence over Phyllis and the kids, and eventually his precious grandchildren.
An exceptionally kind, generous and humble man, Jeff leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Phyllis; son, Christopher Olson; daughter, Tracy Bevilacqua (Tony); granddaughters, Jessica and Hannah; mother, June Olson; sisters, Cheryle Finnigan (Rick), Stephanie Olson, Dian Cogdill (Gail); sister-in-law, Sheryl Roach; brothers-in-law, Phil Roach, Herb Roach and Hue Roach (Sue); as well as countless extended family members and friends.
His father, Gil Olson, preceded him in death this past December.
As much as it was our honor to have been led by his exemplary character, it was Jeff's pleasure to be acquainted with you, even if only for a moment. For those who were fortunate to know Jeff, remember him for his love of life, vibrant sense of humor and exuberant laughter.
All are welcome to attend services in Jeff's honor on Saturday, May 14 at 12:00 p.m. at Memorial Lutheran Church, 2700 E. 28th, Vancouver, Washington. Reception to follow. As it would be Jeff's preference, casual dress is requested.
Jeff was a longtime donor of blood and platelets to the American Red Cross. In lieu of flowers, he would want you to make a similar donation.
Please sign the Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I miss Jeff very much and he taught me how to be fair to people and be honest. I am now an Operations Manager for one of the largest Building Service companies in the nation. I use the leadership and guidance that Jeff instilled in me. He will never be forgotten in my heart! Miss you a bunch my friend...
Aaron Benter
Friend
May 2, 2019
We were so sorry to hear of the loss of the love of your life. Remembering your great love story today and always.
May 22, 2011
It was my honor and pleasure to have known Jeff Olson as a friend and a co-worker for the 6 years I worked at ISNW I have learn so much from Jeff I know because of Jeff I'm a better supervisor/Trainer and a better person for that Thank you Then we I was asked to be the Santa at ISNW Clients christmas party I knew I had big shoes to fill. My condolences to his Family and everyone at ISNW he will be missed
Victor de Leon Sr
May 20, 2011
"Your last breath on earth is your first breath in Heaven."
May 16, 2011
It wasn't the little things, and it wasn't even the big things....it was the EVERYTHINGS...Love you, Dad!
May 16, 2011
"Your last breath on earth is your first breath in Heaven."
May 16, 2011
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
May 15, 2011
It has been a great pleasure knowing you Jeff.I am going to miss your daily calls and that whitty sense of humor of yours.You always made everyone laugh. You will always be in our thoughts and our hearts.
Dawn Cates
May 14, 2011
I will miss you jeff.
jason buchholz
May 14, 2011
Thank you Jeff for being a great supervisor and friend. I love how you used to joke with me and make me laugh. It was always fun to see how happy and helpful you were to the clients. I will miss you very much.
Angela Benter
May 14, 2011
There is so much to say and so little space to write all of my thoughts and memories of Jeff. For the past 10 years he has been a great fellow supervisor at Innovative Services, and most of all a true friend. I will miss him. If you are ever at the Clark County Courthouse riding in the elevator and it stops on all of the floors but the one you want, dont worry, its just Jeff being Jeff. :)
Cindy Tesch
May 13, 2011
Jeff, I enjoyed working with you at innovative service, you were the best supervisor I have ever worked with, your charisma and the life stories we shared on breaks were priceless knowing you're gone, I just happened to be looking for you today, turns out you're upstairs, Godspeed Jeff, you're gonna be missed.
Joseph Turner
May 12, 2011
Phyllis, you and Jeff are one of the true love stories! What a great trip through life you two had together! Positive thoughts from my family to yours.
Tami Holyk Crane
May 9, 2011
I am very sorry for your Loss? I am a volunteer at the American Red cross Donor center here in Vancouver. I going to miss Jeff smiling face on Wednesdays when every he come in to donate blood over the last 8 years. Jeff had saves many of people lives. Thank you Jeff for all of your Blood that you have Giving.
Bruce Leveton
May 8, 2011
My brother was the most gentle, kind, loving, giving,person. I love him so very much. We spent many years together in the family business, and I will always cherish them. The last time my big brother called me was the night before he died, he left me a message checking up on my husband to see how he was since his surgery. And his last words were I love you sis. This I know I will be seeing my brother and the rest of my family some day soon when Jesus takes me home.
I love you Jeff. Dian Cogdill
Dian Cogdill
May 8, 2011
I am a Volunteer at the American Red Cross donor center here in Vancouver.I work on every Wednesdays afternoon and I have Seen Jeff come in and donate about every two month for about the last 8 years now. I allows enjoys seeing his smiling face when he came in to donate blood. Jeff will be miss very much. I want to Thank Him for the many lives he saves over the years.
Bruce Leveton
May 8, 2011
Jeff you were a great friend. I will miss the conversations we had and the jokes we shared. You were a supervisor that treated everyone with respect,and would always help if someone needed it. Good by my friend, i will never forget you.
Aaron Benter
May 8, 2011
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