John Parker "Jay" Olmstead

1936 - 2022

John (Jay) Parker Olmstead of Plymouth passed away peacefully on January 28, 2022, in Great Falls Montana.

Jay was raised in Plymouth NH, where he excelled in both academics and athletics. His summers were spent enjoying the clear waters of Squam Lake, and for several summers he delivered mail by boat to the residents of the Lake and Islands.

College took him away from Plymouth, eventually graduating from University of Vermont. After college he tried the city life, living and working in the New Your City area. But then he was drawn to service, and he enrolled in Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as an Officer in the United States Navy and served two tours in Vietnam. Serving both in active duty and reserves, Jay retired having reached the rank of Commander.

Jay was always one to better himself. And as such he was called to follow in his father's footsteps and attend medical school. This was no small task as he was older than traditional med school students, and had a small family already established. Four years later he graduated from the Kansas City College of Osteopathic Medicine with the degree of Doctor of Osteopathy.

Jay continued to practice medicine, both in the Navy and in civilian practice, in various roles for nearly 30 years. While his career in medicine led him in many directions, his primary focus was in Occupational Medicine. Wanting to further his education, while in his 60's he pursued and received his Master's in Public Health from the Medical College of Wisconsin.

His career took him to many locations, but Jay always wanted to return home to Plymouth in his retirement. Jay and his wife Caryl built a home in Plymouth in 2001. This was the place of numerous family gatherings for the holidays, birthdays, or just a barbeque watching the sunset over the mountains.

Jay was an avid reader and gardener. Year after year he would plant numerous fruit trees and tend to his vegetable garden. Always drawn to the water, Jay took many trips to Montana where he developed a love of fly fishing along the numerous rivers.

Jay is survived by his wife Caryl, his children, Jack, Jennifer, Peter and Janel, 5 grandchildren, and one great-grandson.

A graveside service will be scheduled in Plymouth in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate in Jay's name to the Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate).

Jay, Dad, Grandpa - You will be always remembered and forever loved.

www.mayhewfuneralhomes.com