John Willard Olander Jr.

John Willard Olander, Jr. passed away peacefully at home on the farm on February 14, a few days before his 88th birthday. Jay was born on February 17, 1926 to John Willard Olander and Eunice Morgan and lived his entire life in the Kansas City area. He attended Southwest High School, The Choate School and Yale University. Prior to enrolling in Yale, he served two years as a Pharmacist's Mate III in the US Navy in the Asiatic Pacific at the end of World War II. After graduating from Yale in 1951, he returned to Kansas City, where he met and married his wife, Martha Sue Cox on November 10, 1954. They lived originally on a farm in Belton, MO, and then moved to the Olander family farm in Linwood, KS. It was there that they built a wonderful home where they raised their three children. Jay had a 45 year career as an investment banker, beginning with Stern Bros. & Co. and retiring from United Missouri Bank. Living in the country allowed Jay to enjoy his love of agriculture, nature and the outdoors. He and Martha Sue became known for their annual Fourth of July parties for over 40 years. Multiple generations of children learned to shoot fireworks on the Olander farm. Jay enjoyed coaching and watching all of his children and grandchildren compete in a variety of athletic events. He was active with the Boy Scouts of America, serving as the Scoutmaster for Troop 160 at St. Peter's Episcopal Church for over 10 years. He enjoyed high adventure with the Boy Scouts and led several crews to Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. In addition, he was the Scoutmaster for the 14th World Jamboree in Norway in 1975. He was an honorary Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, was Wood Badge trained, received the Mohawk District Award of Merit, and served as the Friends of Scouting fundraising chairman for many years. He was on the vestry of St. Peter's Episcopal Church. He was past president of The Mercury Club, a past member of the Carriage Club and a past Trustee of The Barstow School. Jay is survived by his wife of 59 years; their children Susan Olander, Morgan Olander (Pam) and Marian Olander Tutera (Joe); and their nine grandchildren: Austin, Carolyn, Ryan, Carter, Emma, Laura, Hannah, Dominic and Joseph. In addition, he leaves his sister Madalene Woodbury (Tom) and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. The funeral will be held on Friday, February 21, at 2:00 pm at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Kansas City, MO, with a reception to follow. The family requests no flowers but suggests contributions in Jay's memory to the Boy Scouts of America c/o Heart of America Council, 10210 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131 or St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 6401 Wornall Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64113.