Carl ‘Bill’ William Olander, JR, 77 of Auburn, Washington, cherished husband of Marcia (Nielsen) Olander for 53 years, passed away peacefully at home after a long and courageous battle with heart and lung disease. Bill was born on October 27, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Carl William Olander, SR and Rachel (Weaver) Olander.
Bill graduated from Ellensburg High School in 1956. He enjoyed skiing and participated on the community swim team and was also a lifeguard. On January 8, 1957 he joined the Army National Guard, where he served until January 7, 1963. On June 30, 1962 Bill married Marcia June Nielsen in Ellensburg, Washington. In 1962 he also began his airline career with Pacific Airlines. They traveled with the airlines for 9 years before settling back in Washington in 1971 and eventually Auburn, Washington in 1976. After six mergers and 33 years Bill retired from Northwest Airlines on December 31, 1995. After his retirement Bill was a volunteer for Senior Services for 15 years, where he provided transportation to senior citizens for their medical appointments. Throughout his life Bill had a fascination and love for trains. He also collected coins and coke memorabilia. He enjoyed supporting the Seattle Mariners and being a 12th man for the Seattle Seahawks.
Bill is survived by his loving wife Marcia; his son, Gregory Olander; his daughters, Tamara (Scott) Pulford and Toni (Tony) Cavalli. He had 3 beautiful grandchildren that he adored, Tyler (24), Travis (21) and Faith (1). Bill was also the oldest brother to Allen, Julie and Rae.
What mattered the most to Bill were his family and friends. A Life Celebration for Bill will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Greenwood Memorial Park Cemetery & Funeral Home. There will be a reception immediately following the ceremony.
A death is not the extinguishing of a light, but the putting out of the lamp because the dawn has come. Bill was funny, sassy, giving and kind and fought for every breath with a smile on his face. Today in his honor pay that forward with an act of kindness.