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Gordon Wise Obituary
Gordon "Oly" Wise, 85, of Seattle, Washington, died peacefully on March 11, 2020, one day before his 86th birthday. Son of the late Beatrice and "Bob" Wise, he had two siblings Lane (Wise) Townsend & Ken Wise.
Born in 1934 in West Seattle, Oly was a graduate of West Seattle High School ('52 Monogram Club) and earned his Eagle Scout rank, an achievement that brought him enduring pride throughout his life. Oly attend Washington State University (Lambda Chi Alpha) before being drafted in the US Army. After his service, he earned a degree from the University of Washington.
After college, Oly took a position at Boeing where he worked on the early 707 and 727 projects. After Boeing, Oly became President and joint owner of Mamco Manufacturing, with over 300 employees in Ballard creating components for Boeing aircraft (Small Vendor of the Year 1984).
Oly was a notable philanthropist with a deep sense of humility and sincerity. A member of Rotary International (56 years perfect attendance/Paul Harris Fellow), his good works included sponsoring language programs in Guatemala, providing polio vaccines in Uganda, and promoting literacy and education here and abroad.
Oly was preceded in death by his loving wife Barbara in 2007. The two had many happy years of world travel, being grandparents, and enjoying trips to the San Juans in Oly's Cessna Hawk XP.
Oly is survived by first wife, Deanne Tallman, and his three children, Tara Shannon, Shana Shaw, and Kaler Wise, and 5 grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Food Lifeline https://foodlifeline.org/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gordon Wise
Sponsored by The Family.
Kit (Joanie) Zinn
November 1, 2022
Hadn´t seen Oly in years. Thought of him today from early CSL days. Came across this notice. He was consistently a caring man who loved and raised a wonderful family and had enough Love left over to help the human world community as well. He will be missed yet leaves a great legacy behind. Love to Tara and Kaler as well.
Eileen Wilson
May 9, 2020
I only met Mr. Wise twice and remember how warm and sweet he was. I worked for many years with his son, Kaler. Hugs and condolences to his family!
Tara Wise Shannon
May 1, 2020
Thank you for All that have posted so many wonderful thoughts about our"daddy" Oly Wise. He loved Rotary, Mamco, friends and family with a open and passionate heart.
Tom Ormbrek
April 25, 2020
My Father, Ole Ormbrek worked for Mamco on three different occasions, 1942-45 doing tooling for B-17s and B-29s working for Andy Sanders, Gordon's future father-in-law. Again from the early 50's to about 1964 when Gordon joined the firm, and 1968-74.
I worked for Aircraft Standards from 1972-76, and 1977-2007. Of course, most of us called
Gordon, Oly, his nickname. He signed my paychecks while still an owner of Aircraft
Standards, we were together in a first aid class in the 70's and he knew me as Ole's kid going back to the 60's.
I saw him at Bob Beadles memorial in 2007, when I introduced myself he immediately asked about my mother, knowing what she had to put up with my Dad & I. Several years ago at a car show, I was talking to a lady who turned out to be one of Oly's daughters. When she called him, he once again asked how my Mother was doing (Mom
passed last year at age 102).
I'm sorry for your loss, he was a good man to work for and I know he had respect and admiration for both of my parents.
Tom Ormbrek
The Martins
April 19, 2020
Great guy , good Family Community Mam
John Rasmussen
April 14, 2020
I knew Oly through Rotary for many years. He was truly one of the good guys. He was well known for his philanthropy, but it was more than just giving. He taught people how to give. And why to give. Many of us remember getting a stack of his $2 bills and being inspired to find ways to help others. Oly always had a positive, upbeat, and grateful attitude. We need more folks like him.
Kirk Laughlin
April 13, 2020
I had the great pleasure of working with Oly for nearly 10 years through his role as a Foundation Board Member for The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. and his always-energetic involvement with Rotary. I also had the honor of being part of his Celebration of Life event with the University District Rotary Club just before he passed away. Along with a lot of people, I will miss his warmth and good nature. I'm always going to think of him saying "Keep smiling" and I will never see a $2.00 bill without remembering him fondly. Thank you for all you did for our community, Oly.
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