Alan Olsen

Alan William Olsen August 5, 1939 – November 22, 2020 (81 years)—Edmonds, Washington

Alan William Olsen was born to Arthur R. Olsen and Daveda E. (McCrery} Olsen in Laramie, Wyoming on August 5, 1939; the first of two children. He was a dutiful son, faithful husband, and loving father of three. Alan peacefully entered God's presence at 3:45 am on November 22, 2020.

He spent his childhood in Denver, Colorado, El Paso, Texas, and Fort Morgan, Colorado.  Alan graduated from Fort Morgan High school 1957.  Prior to college, he worked for United Airlines which sparked his interest in building airplanes. He later graduated from Northrop University in Inglewood, CA, with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1968. Shortly after that, he married Joyce Roth.  When the Boeing Commercial Airplane Company hired Alan, they moved to Seattle, Washington, where Alan spent all but three years of his career with Boeing, working in design engineering, liaison engineering, and the publications department.

Alan and Joyce lived in Burien, Washington - just south of Seattle - for over 50 years where they raised all three of their children. Aside from hunting, fishing, cherishing his tenure as a member of the Boeing Rifle and Pistol Club, and sharing many stories, Alan's heart belonged to his family and church family.  His adult children consider him to be one of the most giving people they have ever known and the fact that he was always available for them whenever they called or needed him. 

Alan was a member of the Oasis Home Church (formerly Burien Free Methodist Church) for 52 years. His success and prestige did not lie in wealth or accolades.; instead, his value rested in the richness of a servant's heart. Alan's heart for service began at a young age.  His mother told the story that he came in from outside with a clenched fist when he was four.  When he opened his hand, there was a bug in it.  Alan said, "Mommy, I love the bug, and the bug loves me." This depicts the giving and loving heart that Alan developed over the years. As a young adult, he became the friend of a blind man his own age.  Alan took Gilbert with him everywhere: mountain climbing, jumping off bridges, and double dating. He encouraged Gilbert that there was nothing he couldn't do. During his married life, Alan never overlooked the opportunity to meet someone's need or the chance to bless others anonymously. But most of all, he was a silent servant.  He had a prayer list of those who were ill or struggling, and every night he prayed for their healing and comfort.  He let them know he was praying for them.  I remember when a lady received the "all clear" announcement for cancer, he told her, "I'm not going to stop praying for you; I'm going to pray that it never returns!"

Alan is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Joyce; sister Ruth Ann (Olsen) Dodrill; daughters Lorayne Olsen and Lynell Ray (husband Matthew), and son Todd Olsen (wife Stephanie), and grandchildren Derek and Delaney Olsen.  Memorial donations may be made to Oasis Church (formerly Burien Free Methodist Church) at oasishomechurch.com (press “Giving”, and then “Give one time”, and choose “Memorial Funds”) or from the memorial website mykeeper.com/profile/AlanOlsen/.