Dr. Marvin L. Olmstead

With quiet dignity, Dr. Marvin L. Olmstead died peacefully at home on January 16, 2011, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 19, 1929 in Dupree, South Dakota and was the eldest of six children. After graduating from high school Marvin taught for a year in a small country schoolhouse outside of Dupree, South Dakota. He then enlisted in the Navy and served in San Diego, CA. where he was honorably discharged 4 years later. After serving his country, Marvin returned to his home state of South Dakota where he earned his BA from the Black Hills Teachers College in Spearfish, South Dakota. It was here that he met and later married the love of his life Doris Dunn in 1954. They headed west where he graduated from Washington State University with a Masters in Speech. Marvin continued his teaching career at Columbia Basin Community College in Pasco, Washington. It was here that his daughter Karen and son Mark were born. The next stop for the young Olmstead clan was Seattle, Washington. It was here that Marvin accomplished his lifetime educational goal and received his Doctorate in Speech from the University of Washington. With Doctorate in hand, he accepted a position on the faculty of Oregon State University where he and his family spent 4 years. Marvin made his final career move when he accepted a position on the faculty of Western Washington University where he taught and ultimately retired in 1991. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Doris, his daughter Karen Paez (AI) and son Mark (Karin), his 5 grandsons; Zachary, Matthew (Stephanie), Joshua, Nathan and Benjamin, his brothers; Norman, Vernon, Edward (Linda), and Dennis and sister Darlene Geboe as well as many nieces and nephews. Marvin enjoyed spending many of his summers with family and friends at their cabins in the Black Hills of South Dakota. He cherished his family and we cherished the time we had with him. He will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the acupuncture program of Hospice Bellingham or to the First Congregational Church of Bellingham. A Memorial Service will be held at the First Congregational Church of Bellingham at 2401 Cornwall Avenue on January 28, 2011 at 11:00 am, with reception to follow. You may share your thoughts and memories of Marvin in the online memorial guest book at www.molesfuneralhomes.com Moles Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Bayview Chapel