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Glenn Oliver Obituary
Glenn moved to Alaska in 1981 and began his teaching career at Dimond-Mears Secondary School. In 1985 the new Mears Jr. High was built and Glenn headed the science department of that new school, where he remained as a teacher until 1996. His final teaching assignment was as a teacher of gifted and talented students at Kincaid Elementary. At Kincaid School Glenn found a receptive community that supported and encouraged his activity oriented teaching and thrived on the opportunity to teach enthusiastic students. There he built a greenhouse and an apple orchard to support his hands on approach to teaching and involved the entire school in gardening projects over the years.
Glenn's sense of adventure and curiosity of the natural world defined who he was. Whether he was kayaking, fishing, or gardening he was always planning his next adventure. He is survived by his son Nolan Oliver, age 23, of Anchorage Alaska as well as his former wife Valerie Oliver, his sisters Susan (Phil Manke) Oliver, Karen (Tom) Fett, Wendy (Bob Tinker) Oliver, and niece Natalie Fett. A celebration of his life will take place Friday March 2nd, 6pm at Tanglewood Lake Club House.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Glenn Oliver
michael sexton
February 23, 2025
Many years later, I still miss my 1st "Song Brother". Marvin and Geoffery have gone on to join you, making my world ever smaller. I hope to visit around another campfire someday with all my friends, and relive the amazing stories of our explorations and adventures around the world. Keep an eye out for "Dr. Burton" we talked about you together for many years. Watch out for and over me Gonzo.Oui, Oui.....Your Song Brother , Gonzo.
Donna Kirchhoff
February 24, 2024
Prayers your way everyday. Nature and outdoor activities still consume some of my day. Thank you for teaching me to see the world around me. Donna Kirchhoff
Dr. Sexton
February 23, 2023
Miss you greatly Gonzo, my life in Alaska is not the same without you.
Amanda Buchholz
March 31, 2014
The thought of you crossed me today. As I look back and reflect I am honored to have met such an amazing man. Thanks for being my friend. Miss you :)
michael sexton
March 3, 2014
I hope you and my other Song Brother Marvin have been reunited around a campfire somewhere in the Cosmos my dear friend(s).
Now I have an angel for each shoulder.
Keep an eye out for me!
Michael
Michael Tenenbaum
March 1, 2014
Difficult to add any more to what has been written about you Ollie. Never at a lack for words though, I marvel there are so many constant reminders of your influence and "stamp" upon those who were fortunate to know you. Your legacy continues to thrive and expand. We were the fortunate ones who shared in the light of your brilliance. I have yet to encountered anyone as influential as you in awakening an awareness of the world around them. May your light continue to blaze. You are sorely missed my friend.
Steve Wood
March 1, 2014
Ollie, I spread some of your ashes on the top of Vail Mountain a couple weeks ago. I recalled our trip in March 1970 skiing all ver Colorado with you, me, Bill Sauter and Gary Davidson. Thanks for tuning me on to downhill skiing, you were a generous ski instructor. The wind and snow were howling as your ashes drifted toward the back bowls, it's was a great spot to celebrate you. It was the last run of the day, and I flew down the hill thinking of you and how you would have loved this run. Thanks for your friendship and for introducing me to Susan. We miss you.
Donna Kirchhoff
February 28, 2014
At a loss for words. You are constantly on my mind, Glenn. And yes you taught me most of what I know about plants, and birds. You made the natural world an integral part of my life. I just wish you had stuck around to enjoy it more together. The Bard owls have been cooking for each other lately. Sad time this week. Miss you. Donna
February 28, 2014
Think of Ollie a lot. Every time I pick up binocs, look at a bird book, work on my photo project, talk to Geoff, and many other things, I remember the great times we have together. Tommy lives in Kalamazoo close to Kleinstuck (sp?) preserve, and when we are there I remember vividly the first warlbers he taught us. Man, did he have a tremendous effect on our future. Great guy. One of the many who made a difference to the lives of so many. I love you old buddy. Thom
February 28, 2014
Ollie, we think of you so often as we enjoy nature as you did, and sit in our robes drinking coffee and talking. You will forever be in our hearts.
love,
susie and thom howes
February 26, 2014
It has been 2 yrs. since Glenn's passing. I spent a great day at our cabin thinking about Glenn. I think of all the wonderful friends that Glenn had and feel that he was so blessed. I miss him dearly. I would love to hear from you. Bugs
907-306-0862 or text
November 11, 2013
We were lucky to have had a short, but wonderful visit by your dear, our dear Valerie this past summer. We just redid a bedroom and it is kind of the Alaska room, with artwork of your beautiful place. We also have that great photo of you and Maria in an old sleigh. We keep you alive in our hearts always dear pal.
love,
susie and thom
Katie Rodriguez
November 9, 2013
Mr. Oliver,
You will always be the best teacher I've had. Even after I moved from Anchorage I never forgot you or anything you taught me. What I learned in your ignite class has become invaluable to me and helped me throughout the years. Had you not been a part of my life, there would be so many things I would have never been able to experience. You opened my eyes to science, history, agriculture, and so much more. I regret that I couldn't thank you in person for everything you've done, and you and your family are in my prayers.
Geoffrey Hickok
March 29, 2013
Ollie my good and cherished friend, the time has passed so quickly since you have left this physical world, but your spirit and memory lives on strong in my heart and mind. I often think of you and the many good and fun adventures we shared together over our 40 years of friendship. There will never be another like you my unique and wonderful best friend. Love and miss you my Brother. The spring peepers call your memory to me. You once told me how much you missed hearing them.... I will always hear them call your name my wonderful lifelong friend.
Glenn Baja
March 29, 2013
Thank you buddie for all the fabulous adventures, the many wonderful stories we shared together, and all the laughs. Your spirit lives within me. You are deeply missed. Peace to you my friend.
Michael Sexton
March 28, 2013
Gonzo,
It's been a year now since you've been gone. I have a picture of you and me next to my easy chair, and every day I remind you and me of what a great life we shared together. I am such a lucky man to have had you as a best friend for 40 years, the stories we have to tell!
My life was changed through our friendship and it will never be the same.
I cannot tell you how much you are missed. I'll catch you on the other side, song brother. We'll light another campfire together.
OUI! OUI!
Gonzo
Lighting A Memorial Lantern for Your Birthday Ollie...With Love and Memory...South Manitou Island, MI-June 2012...1st Annual Glenn Oliver Memorial C-O
Geoff Hickok
March 28, 2013
Donna Kirchhoff
March 28, 2013
Miss you still but am always comforted by the nature that surrounds me. You are my constant companion whether its the northern lights which you first brought to my attention as we drove along some road near Harbor Springs or the names of spring flowers like spring beauties which have little potatoes for roots. Thank you Ollie
Wade & Lisa Hughes
March 27, 2013
Ollie, you have no idea of the "Black Hole" that has been created in this universe by your passing. We miss you everyday. Thanks for all the great memories, and laughs. Your legacy will live on.
Lisa & Wade Hughes
March 27, 2013
March 27, 2013
March 27, 2013
March 27, 2013
March 27, 2013
March 27, 2013
March 27, 2013
S. Manitou Island, Lake Michigan: First Glenn Oliver Memorial Campout 2012
March 27, 2013
Facsimilie of Ollie's Web...copied from a letter he sent me.
March 27, 2013
On the Deck having Dinner....thinking and talking about you Ollie...Love and Miss you.
March 27, 2013
Thom Howes
March 27, 2013
Ollie, I wear my felt packs throughout the winter, and remember you telling me back in, like, 1970, to get a pair to keep my toes warm. I still have the same pair, and have used Shoe-Goo to make repairs to keep them in operation! So when I put them on, I thank you for warm toes. Thom Howes
March 26, 2013
Had a dream about you the other night, Ollie, we were happy to out for summer vacation; bincos in hand, beautiful day- hope you are enjoying good birding. Each thing of nature reminds us of you. Thanks for all your fun teaching. love,
susie howes
Amanda Buchholz
August 28, 2012
He will always be remembered as an amazing man and team player. Glen you were my favorite dart team member ever. I was privileged to have you on my roster. I love you and forever you hold a special place in my heart. May you rest peaceful while enjoying all of creations of Science in heaven. Until we meet again :) Manda
Glenn Oliver Memorial Bracelet
Geoffrey Hickok
June 19, 2012
All:
Glenn Oliver Memorial Bracelet...see my May 23 posting.
1st Annual Glenn Oliver Memorial Camp-out T-shirt
Geoffrey Hickok
May 23, 2012
All:
We are planning a Memorial Camp-out for Glenn on South Manitou Island in Lake Michigan. We have a group camp site reserved for the 26th, 27th and 28th of June. Glenn's birthday is the 28th and we will have a B-day dinner and remembrance...also we will be sending Chinese wish lanterns up after dark...we will post pics. We also will have T-shirts available if you would like one let me know by June 1st so I can get you in contact with our T-shirt person. These are American made and will be $16.00 plus the cost of postage to you...we also will have some nice Armstrong like silicon bracelets for $5.00 plus postage if anyone is interested. I will post an image of the T-shirts...and bracelets will be posted at the end of May.
Geoff Hickok
1st Annual Glenn Oliver Memorial Camp-out Coordinator
Thomas Howes
April 19, 2012
Another Ionia story to follow the Emlinger's. Susie and I accompanied Ollie with his students on an overnight backpack in Allegan State Forest(sp?). It was a large group of middle schoolers as I recall, so the event was dynamic to say the least! We brought up the rear to keep the slow ones from taking a wrong turn. During the trek, we met some old European immigrants who carried baskets brimming with mushrooms, and as you might expect, Ollie's eyes popped and we spent some time talking to them about the varieties they were collecting. We had eaten many, many kinds with Ollie, but they had many he had never tried. They had their old car nearby, so showed us their bounty. The back end of the car, and trunk, were filled with baskets of 'rooms! They gave us the scoop on how to ID, so we picked a basket of our own and that night dined well, though I admit we kept looking at each other to see if there were any side effects! Well, we got up the next morning after riding herd on sleepless teens, and were tired, pooped! We hiked to where the pick-up was scheduled, and drove back to the school, only to discover that two kids were missing! Talk about a freak out! I don't fully recollect how the head count went south, but the two were recovered, and Ollie was forgiven. It seems to me that the parents assured Ollie that the two were, well, you know, a bit on the wild side, so the kids got the dirty end of the stick. I blamed it on the mushrooms. I recalled the story as a result of your own story, and an email from Geoff that they have found morels in their back yard, the first of the season. And the Quinzees? We were with Glenn at the Bug Station when Dr. Rewee (spelling wrong here for sure) taught the class of grad students how to build the things. We, in turn, made them in our backyard with our kids, and with groups from our local Audubon group, an event covered by our local newspaper. In the time that has gone by since Ollie died, we have rekindled friendships with many of the 'old' crew. We all, well many of us, have wider girths, and less hair, and that which is left, hair that is, is greying. Ollie was the first of our troop to die, and we all miss him; however, he's still with us every day, and our lives are sweeter because of the times spent with him. Susie, my wife, just made a connect with one of her college roomies, and reported the death, and shared their own Ollie stories from Kalamazoo. I still am touched by all of the wonderful notes people are sharing, laughing and shedding a tear or two as memories come to mind. I want to thank Wade and Lisa for keeping the Guest Book alive, and look forward to more stories to a man who touched so many, many lives in memorable ways. Bugs and Val, we think of you often, and owe you calls. Val, I appreciate your connect with Maria (our youngest daughter who has remained in contact with Val over the years), and want you to know, which goes without saying, that you're welcome anytime. Peace to all.
Judi/Duane Emlinger
April 17, 2012
Dear Val and Nolan, Judi and I are so sorry for your loss. Because Glenn's passing creates a void for all of us who knew him, there can be no measurement of the effect it has on the two of you. Please know that if we could we would wrap our arms around the two of you..... When I received your card last week Val, I was so excited to see that Alaska address, I just knew thatit meant the Oliver's were going to be coming thru Ionia again this summer, and we would get a chance to visit once again. When I opened the card and read your message, this grizzled 'ol former paratrooper, Vietnam Vet, retired prison guard-sobbed uncontrolably. For those of you who have lived in close proximity to the Oliver's I offer our best to you. For me the past 32 years,I have, I guess been mourning Glenn's departure from Ionia to Alaska. Ionia is located between Val and Glenn's hometowns, we were fortunate to get visits often. It was always bitter/sweet as we knew once the visitwas over it would be a few years before the next visit. It made it easier to deal with these absenses knowing that good friends were being made "up north". My wife Judi was the Jr. High art teacher when Glenn arrived in '76. We spent time Xcountry skiing, going for walks, sitting around campfires at the old farmhouse he rented on Ernest Rd. which we all called "the outpost" We built Quinzees behind Boyce Elementary and spent the nite with 30 students, it was the "talk of the town". I have one vintage Dr. Oliver story I would like to share with all of you. One year we were able to hunt the whitetail deer opener (here in Michigan it's almost a Holy day). We were in the woods way before daylite, I had dropped Glenn off about 200yds from his car an old subaru I believe, I went on back another couple hundred yards and sat down. We were both overlooking the Prairie Creek bottom land. A couple minutes after sitting down, I could see the headlites come on on Glenn's car, and down the road it went. About 20 minutes later the car reappeared. After 3 hours of hunting I returned to Glenn's spot. I set down on the ground next to him, smiled, and asked him about his pre-dawn drive. He looked at me, broke open the action on the single shot 16ga. shotgun he had borrowed for the hunt. He removed the slug from the barrel, reached into his pocket while saying "I conducted a little field test", as he attempted to put another slug in the gun, he said "no matter how hard you try, there's just no way you can get a 12ga slug in a 16ga gun. We laughed 'til we cried, his little drive had been to a local sports-center to get the right ammo. I think it is a great tribute to "The Doctor" that the messages from his former Ionia students contain such emotions-these fine folks still carry the fire Glenn stoked over 32 years ago, these folks are between 45-50 years old. This man's overpowering energy and spirit remains among those of us who still call him "friend". Finally when "The Good Doctor" described one of his adventures, he often used three words which I believe best describes his to brief time with us, those words, "it was inCREDIBLE". Once again our heartfelt best, to all of you. Clear right....up sir!
Lisa Hatt Partridge
April 16, 2012
I fondly remember Mr. Oliver as a Jr. High Science teacher in Ionia; a wonderfully creative man, kind, enthusiastic with a passion for teaching. Many wonderful memories :) My prayers go out to his family and friends, God bless you with peace and comfort.
April 16, 2012
Dear Valarie,
I was so sorry to hear that your husband, Glenn passed away. I remember him as a person that loved and enjoyed life to the fullest degree. Sue and I came out to Alaska in 85 and spent a few days with you both. I will always rembember your hospitality and the stories Glen would tell of hunting Caribou and fishing for Pink Salmon on the Russian River. He had me so excited I spent the entire next day in the rain trying my luck on the Russian River while Sue read all day in the truck. He will be sadly missed by us all and he leaves a legacy as a father and teacher that can only be admired....thinking of you and your family during these times as you move on with life...his spirit will always be with us all and we will try to remeber Glenn by living our lives with the type of energy that he put into his life...God Bless You and your family!!!!
Jack, Sue, Alison, and Steven Manciu
Steven Bye
April 15, 2012
My name is Steven Bye. I taught with Glenn in Ionia from 1977 to 1980. Glenn and I left Ionia the same year. We stayed in touch for a time, but I moved around in the 80's and lost touch with him. Glenn was a soul mate, a person you connect with right away. Gosh we had some crazy times together as young, wild and happy folks.
Kelly Zander-Nolting
April 12, 2012
He really was such a kind and thoughtful teacher. He made learning a fun experience.
April 11, 2012
Mr. Oliver was a great teacher. He was full of life and made science class fun and interesting. Prayers to his family. Julieann Montgomery Reeder Ionia, MI
Brenda Knickerbocker (Ritenburgh)
April 11, 2012
Mr. Oliver was a wonderful teacher! He made science class interesting, made me want to learn more. My condolences to his family! He will be sadly missed. Former classmate class of 1981 Ionia High School.
Lisa Allen
April 10, 2012
I had Mr. Oliver for an 8th grade teacher, he was one of my favorites. He will be greatly missed. My best wishes to his family in their time of sorrow.
Lisa Allen
Sarah Munkacsy
April 10, 2012
Mr. Oliver was a wonderful teacher! My condolences to his family and friends! Former classmate class of 1982 Ionia High School
Donna Witherell-Murphy
April 10, 2012
Mr. Oliver was one of my favorite teachers, he taught 7th & 8th grade sciece back in 75&76 in Ionia he was a great teacher. He had a way of pulling you into his world of liking this world. I did'nt like sceince until I took his class, after that.. I loved it, except for cutting the little pig. He was a awsome person, kind, caring gentle and truely wanting to understand what was going on with you that day. he will be missed. I often thought about him threw the years. so sorry about the familys loss. he touched so many kids lives and woke up the mind in them. Thank you Mr. Oliver. fly with the angels.
Mary Jo Fitzpatrick
April 10, 2012
Glenn Oliver was a truly amazing man. To a country girl just going to junior high school for the first time, he was a godsend. In addition to the knowledge he shared with all of us, he shared the caring heart that made him our beloved Mr. Oliver. One compliment from him meant more than all the praise in the world from others. He will truly be missed.
Quin-zhee Kids-Kincaid Ele Winter 2011-2012 by Glenn Oliver
Geoffrey Hickok
March 30, 2012
Quin-zhee Kids-Kincaid Ele Winter 2011-2012 by Glenn Oliver
Geoffrey Hickok
March 30, 2012
Quin-zhee Kids-Kincaid Ele Winter 2011-2012 by Glenn Oliver
Geoffrey Hickok
March 30, 2012
Quin-zhee Kids-Kincaid Ele Winter 2011-2012 by Glenn Oliver
Geoffrey Hickok
March 30, 2012
March 28, 2012
For the friends and family who werent able to attend Glenn's Celebration of Life, I was also given the honor of speaking about our great friend Ollie.
My name is Wade Hughes and when I met Ollie, in August 1981, he showed at Dimond-Mears complex with all his earthly belongings packed in and on his 70's datsun station wagon. He had duct tape holding the front right fender together, and the interior had the "signature Ollie scent"..stale fast food, coffee with sour milk,,and a hint of cigar.Ollie always claimed the cigar smoke kept the mosquitos at bay !
I dont thnk Glenn ever owned his own comb, some things just werent that important to Ollie. He was way too busy planting and tending to his many gardens and green houses, taking photo's, of everything, and planning his next adventure with friends and family. Glenn loved the logistics of planning a trip. Out came the topo maps, lists were created,menus planned , right down to the last small details.Ollie took pride in creating delicious camp meals, and he loved sharing these experiences with all of us.
I laughed everytime I was around Glenn. He found humor in any and every situation that came up. To watch his face scrunch up, slits for eyes and the tears of joy running down his cheeks, you couldnt help but laugh too.
Ollie made us all feel like we were special to him, truly one of his greatest gifts. I saw one of his young students, and told her ,Mr. Oliver thought she was special, and she just looked up at me and said " I think Mr. Oliver is the special one" ..even the innocent knew the real Ollie.
Some of the most fun adventures and experiences were with Ollie and this is one of them...
34 inches of fresh powder had just fallen on the slopes, and Ollie and I had our names on the list for a day of Heli-skiing ! The helicopter took off, and into the back country we went. Blue bird day, bottomless powder, and we skied our butts off.As we were waiting for the chopper to return our guide got a radio call. Not good,,the helicopter had broken a skeg, and could not take off. We started to prepare to camp over night in the back country. Taking inventory of our food and water and supplies. As it turned out , another helicopter was sent to extract us from the mountain. Most of us felt relieved, but not Ollie. I could see in his face he was a little bummed. Because if you knew Ollie, digging a snow cave and over nighting it would have been just one more adventure for the Olister .
In memory of our friend Glenn Oliver, adventurist extraordinaire, and my best friend.
I love you brother ..Wade Hughes
The Mad Scientist Halloween Party 2009. Glen with friends Robert, Joel, Athena & Vanya.
Athena Marinkovic
March 28, 2012
Halloween 2008
Athena Marinkovic
March 28, 2012
Karen Kemp Baja
March 15, 2012
Ollie you will be so, so missed. The wealth of information that has passed with you is overwhelming to think about. You took me on my first adult camping trip to Kleinstucks Preserve,[I froze in my Coleman flannel sleeping bag even with all my clothes on while you slept warmly, peacefully, and naked in your nice down bag]! You introduced me to so many wonders of nature and more importantly you introduced me to some of my most treasured friends. A gregarious, joyous, curious, learned man that I am honored to have called friend. Thankyou for being a part of my life.
Glenn Baja, Geoff Hickok & Glenn Oliver - Tikal, Guatemala
Glenn Baja
March 15, 2012
Geoff Hickok & Glenn Oliver - Belize
Glenn Baja
March 15, 2012
Glenn Oliver
Glenn Baja
March 15, 2012
Spelunkering - Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Glenn Oliver and Glenn Baja
Glenn Baja
March 15, 2012
Dining at Caye Caulker, Belize - Geoff Hickok, Glenn Oliver and Glenn Baja
Glenn Baja
March 15, 2012
Ron Erickson and Glenn Oliver, Cancun, Mexico
Glenn Baja
March 15, 2012
Geoff Hickok, Ollie and Glenn Baja - Caye Caulker, Belize
Glenn Baja
March 15, 2012
Relaxing at Caye Caulker, Belize
Glenn Baja
March 15, 2012
Glenn Oliver - Nairobi, Kenya
Glenn Baja
March 15, 2012
Ollie, Glenn Baja, and Ron Erickson - Cancun
Glenn Baja
March 15, 2012
Glenn Oliver, Glenn Baja and Ron Erickson at Chitzen itza, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
GLENN BAJA
March 15, 2012
Ollie, Wade, and brother
Thomas Howes
March 14, 2012
Ollie posing for a photo while stalking a photo
Thomas Howes
March 14, 2012
Ollie stalking a photo
Thomas Howes
March 14, 2012
Ollie the camp chef
Thomas Howes
March 14, 2012
Rich Rothley & Ollie at the end of the day
Thomas Howes
March 14, 2012
Steve and Susan Wood's, March 2012. Lansing, MI. Old friends, fond remembrances of Ollie.
Geoff Hickok
March 13, 2012
Fondly remembering our wonderful friend. "Ollie howl and tale swapping." Sue & Steve Wood's. March 2012. Partial old 1970s WMU gang.
Geoff Hickok
March 13, 2012
Giving the 'Ollie howl' and swapping 'Ollie Tales' at an impromptu gather of old friends at Steve and Susan Wood's house in Lansing, MI. March 2012.
Geoff Hickok
March 13, 2012
Ollie with another Lake Creek, AK rainbow caught with his Birthday present. June 2005. With Glenn Oliver, Mike Sexton and Geoff Hickok.
Geoff Hickok
March 13, 2012
Ollie with Lake Creek, AK rainbow. He caught this on the Higley custom fly-rod I gave him for his birthday. June 2005. With Glenn Oliver, Mike Sexton
Geoff Hickok
March 13, 2012
Cleaning our fresh catch. Lake Creek, AK. June 2005. With Glenn Oliver, Mike Sexton and Geoff Hickok.
Geoff Hickok
March 13, 2012
Ollie with Arctic Grayling. Lake Creek, AK. June 2005. With Glenn Oliver, Mike Sexton and Geoff Hickok.
Geoff Hickok
March 13, 2012
Ollies's little pig he shot. He was cracking up because I was teasing him about it being so small it didn't have any teeth. Florida December 2008.
Geoff Hickok
March 13, 2012
Hog Hunt-holding pig skull. Florida December 2008. With Glenn Oliver and Geoff Hickok.
Geoff Hickok
March 13, 2012
Susan Ritter
March 12, 2012
Glenn Oliver took his students to wonderful places. He taught kids to think outside of the box. He taught them how to enjoy learning. Thank you Glenn for being a friend and a wonderful teacher to my daughter. You will be missed very much by many people.
Linda Jardine Keiser
March 12, 2012
Glenn, what an awesome legacy you've left behind. I wish I could have visited with you as an adult and seen your teaching methods. My condolences to your family. You are missed.
Glenn's homepage pic. Florida swamp.
Geoff Hickok
March 9, 2012
Julie Stein
March 8, 2012
Glenn, known to me as Ollie, made our geology classes at Western Michigan University mini-adventures. We tortured Dr. Schmaltz with questions and dogs, and we laughed endlessly. My trips with Ollie are my best memories -except the camping in the blizzard! Ollie lived to learn and bombarded me with archaeology questions. I am a better person for his joy.
Valeria Mashkova
March 7, 2012
Mr. Oliver you have touched so many lives... It's been years since my IGNITE days at Kincaid Elementary but I will never forget the wonderful memories in your class! Sending my sincere condolences to his family. Rest In Peace Mr. Oliver, we will miss you.
Joseph Fleming
March 7, 2012
Glenn was a remarkable educator,very dedicated,excitative,compassionate,and extremely knowledgeable. I enjoyed my years working with him because he was always very personable and showed a passion for life. My sincere condolences to his wonderful family and loved ones.
Dale Massey
March 6, 2012
Mr. Oliver you were one of my all time favorite teachers! 7th grade science at Mears was exciting and fun. I never liked science much until your class. Plus I got to hold a snake for the first time, neat and creepy all at once. You touched many lives in a special way and you will be remembered fondly by many! Your legacy will live on in the lives of your students.
March 5, 2012
Mr. Oliver you were a great man and a great teacher, I will always remember planting and digging up the potatoes! You will be missed by all, thank you for everything you taught all us past and present students. Rest in peace.
--Alta Smith
John Jackson
March 4, 2012
You had the gift of teaching. I am forever grateful for the positive impact you had on my Daughter in the ASD gifted program. Sincere condolences to Nolan and Valerie. Rest in Peace.
Michael Sexton
March 4, 2012
For all of my friends in Michigan who could not attend, this is the eulogy Geoffery and I wrote, and I delivered at his celebration of life. I hope you will all find something of your selves included.
My name is Michael Sexton, and I have been given the honor to speak at this assembly of Glenn
Michael Oliver's family, friends, former students and colleagues.
If you ever received a personal note or letter from Glenn, or perhaps went into his classroom you may have noticed his personal moniker in the corner of your letter or on his blackboard. It was a spider web with a dangling spider hanging from it. In retrospect, I'm not sure if even he would have recognized how appropriate that moniker would be to those of us here today.
In the largest circle in the web of his life, he was probably referred to as Mr. Oliver. He was without a doubt one of the best teachers I have ever known. His exuberance, his personal interest in each and every one of his students and his dedication to making learning in his science classes FUN, is unmatched in my own professional career as a science teacher. I have met many of his former students, and every one of them had something exemplary to say about their personal experience with Mr. Oliver. "You were the best teacher I ever had," was probably the most common expression among them.
I never had the pleasure of working directly with Mr. Oliver, but I knew his work well. We attended Western Michigan University together as undergrads for our teaching degrees, and the University of Michigan's' "Bug Camp" in Pellston, Michigan together in graduate school. We planned field
trips and outdoor activities for our science classes together. We compiled slide /tap presentations and sent them to each other while I was teaching in the U.S. Virgin Islands, so our students could come to know another part of the world through the eyes of another student.
Those of you here today who worked in the professional circle of Mr. Oliver's web know how he charged the atmosphere in the schools where he worked. One of the gifts of teaching is the ripple effect of your efforts that travels through the lives of your colleagues and your students. In this case, I think I would describe it as a wonderful everlasting tsunami.
When I tell people that Glenn and I were friends for 40 years, most say "Wow thats amazing, how special to have had a friend for that long.” Well, it is special and it was amazing. We were each the best man in our weddings. We grew up and grew old together. But what is more amazing is, that while I have one friend of 40 years, Glenn has a dozen, a true measure and testament to the man and of the friend that he was. We're all old friends now, but "Ollie or Gonzo" was the common denominator, and glue that held that circle in the web of friends together.
He was usually the leader of our expeditions into the wilds of Alaska or to
other remote locations around the world. Occasionally, his exuberance would create what we would later call "another gonzo adventure", which was always good for another enjoyable story told around a campfire somewhere.
Glenn was quiet and didn't spend much time talking about himself, although he was very talented and accomplished in many areas.
He was a professional photographer, he once published the "centerfold" in Alaska Magazine of a breaching Humpback Whale, and his images have been used in many textbooks, calenders and other printed media and can still be had online.
Born in Birmingham, Alabama on June 28th, 1950 to parents Kenneth and Connie Oliver, he was the product of a Military family and moved as required, until finally settling in Harbor Springs, Michigan as a teen. He was a natural athlete, having played football in the High School there. He was an outstanding downhill ski instructor at Nubs Knob and Boyne Highlands (a skill he carried throughout his life), hunter, fisherman, cross country skier, certified skin-diver, kayaker, woodsman, naturalist, adventurer and explorer. I suppose If Glenn were to fill out an ‘interests' list, it would of simply said, “Anything Outdoors.”
He had a desire to grow things, to work the earth and harvest the bounty of his labor. He once told me that he felt like he had once been a farmer in a past life. He had his own garden and two small
greenhouses where he liked to sit and entertain me with stories and future plans in the evenings at his home. He organized the building of the outstanding greenhouse resource at Kincaid Elementary, so his students could learn, share and experience his passion of the gifts of Mother Earth. One of the most outstanding accomplishments from this greenhouse, was the development of a unique multi-colored hybrid popping corn by Glenn and his students, which is under study by SNRAS researchers at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks. If the hybrid were to be given a name, perhaps Zea mays kincaidus oliverii might be an appropriate choice. He also built and maintained an apple orchard, and raised potato beds, and was affectionately know by his many students as, ‘The Potato Man' come the annual fall harvest. Every child eagerly participated and shared in the harvest of the various fruits and vegetables they produced.
He and I, and all of our communal friends, shared many adventures on many landscapes. We hunted Caribou, Moose and Brown Bears. We floated, and fished remote Alaskan rivers, found Mammoth teeth on the gravel bars, we skied and climbed the glaciers of the Ruth Amphitheater, trekked jungles and African savanna, kayaked rivers, lakes and oceans.
Of all the men I know, I trusted Him to be my partner the most. I KNEW he had my back, always. I knew he would carry me out through a swamp or pull me out of a crevasse if he had to, or would die trying. And HE KNEW I would do the same for him. We put or lives in each others hands many times. Brown Bear encounters, swamped rafts, avalanches or collapsed snow bridges, we survived them all, together. Although I think it's fair to say, with the exception of one close encounter on a plastic sled and a very deep crevasse, most of these situations were HIS idea.
There were a couple of times in his life when he allowed the pride he had in a moment of his life show through. I think it was 1982 when Glenn wrote me in the Virgin Islands and asked me to be the Best Man in his wedding that summer. He was to marry a woman I had never met and that her name was Valerie. I flew to Michigan and met Valerie and her family a day or two before the wedding. I proudly served as Glenn's Best Man, and away they went, back to Alaska.
A year later, I moved to Alaska and on my first day in Anchorage I helped them move into a new home in Eagle River. At some point in those first few days I asked him to tell me about how he had met Val, I really hadn't had the time to get to know her yet. I distinctly remember, driving down Northern Lights as he told me about how he had met this "girl" at the “Bug Camp” one summer, and that he knew she was the right girl for him. So, he "followed her" to Alaska and had
somehow convinced her that he was the one for her too. It was obvious that he was very proud to be her husband.
Some years later, Nolan, their son was born. He was a very proud papa! Nevertheless I never saw him heap undue praise on Nolan like some parents do. He would often tell me about the things Nolan was doing and about the things they would do together. He always
downplayed the story so as to not make a big deal out of it, but I could always see the pride in his eyes and hear it in his voice. He was very proud of his son.
Glenn was a survivor. He survived heart surgery when he was 12. As an adult, he survived cancer, not once but twice. I would pick him up following his radiation treatments during his first bout, and watched him tough it out. It wasn't hard to admire his courage.
Glenn was driven to excel. He pushed himself, his friends, his son and his students to be their very best. He surrounded himself with like minded people and friends.
As an I.G.N.I.T.E teacher, he taught the gifted youth of Anchorage. Who better for that challenge then Glenn Michael Oliver?
He was gifted himself in so many ways, his intelligence, kindness, compassion and his own motivational spirit, he shared them all with his students. He always went the extra mile as a teacher, taking students (and the lucky parent helpers) to such exotic places as Costa Rica and Africa to observe and study ecology and different cultures. Students were taught about native cultures in Alaska, and built snow houses or ‘Quinzee's' at school, having their pictures taken inside with only candles illuminating their bright smiles and sparkling eyes. Often, dried candlefish were used to make the adventure more meaningful. If you look at these many pictures, you can see the unmistakable joy in their faces. He was more than a teacher. He was a mentor, a coach, and a life changer.
His greatest gift of all was his friendship. If you were his friend...you were his friend forever....and you knew why.
So...Here we are today, gathered to acknowledge and celebrate the life, and friendship of a man who was a husband, a father, a brother, a teacher, a colleague, and a friend... and to share together our common sense of loss.
He loved those around and close to him, and they loved him. Like us all, he was also human. and 61 years is a long time to live and not make any mistakes or personal transgressions. But I knew him long and well enough to know that he was a good man. For me, he was more than just a friend, more than a brother, we shared a spirit. He was my "Song Brother and I will miss him.”
Thank you one and all for your presence here today. Glenn gave us all a gift. Please share it, ‘Pay it Forward' and keep it with you.
Jungle plunge pool. Jaguar Preserve, Belize. March 2007. With Glenn Oliver, Glenn Baja and Geoff Hickok.
Geoff Hickok
March 4, 2012
Jungle plane wreck. Jaguar Preserve, Belize. March 2007. With Glenn Oliver, Glenn Baja and Geoff Hickok.
Geoff Hickok
March 4, 2012
Relaxing in Belize City, Belize. March 2007. With Glenn Oliver, Glenn Baja and Geoff Hickok.
Geoff Hickok
March 4, 2012
With our guide Omar at the Tobacco Caye beach bar, Belize kayak trip. March 2007. With Glenn Oliver, Glenn Baja and Geoff Hickok.
Geoff Hickok
March 4, 2012
Having a laugh. Tobacco Caye, Belize ocean cabana. Kayak trip March 2007. With Glenn Oliver, Geoff Hickok and Glenn Baja.
Geoff Hickok
March 4, 2012
Having a laugh in the elevator. Belize City, Belize. March 2007. With Glenn Oliver, Geoff Hickok and Glenn Baja.
Geoff Hickok
March 4, 2012
Rafting Lake Creek, AK. June 2005. With Glenn Oliver, Mike Sexton and Geoff Hickok.
Geoff Hickok
March 4, 2012
Big red king..heading for the smoker. With Glenn Oliver, Mike Sexton and Geoff Hickok. June 2005. Lake Creek, AK
Geoff Hickok
March 4, 2012
Rafting Lake Creek. With Glenn Oliver, Mike Sexton and Geoff Hickok. June 2005.
Geoff Hickok
March 4, 2012
At his desk, Kincaid Ele. School. Anchorage, AK. June 2005.
Geoff Hickok
March 4, 2012
Book signing. With Arctic Explorer Norman Vaughn, Glenn Oliver and Geoff Hickok. June 2005.
Geoff Hickok
March 4, 2012
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