Philip Wayne Olsen
December 26, 1947 - September 20, 2018
Obituary
Philip Wayne Olsen
On Thursday, September 20 at the age of 70, Philip Wayne Olsen passed away at St. Francis Hospital surrounded by his family. He will be missed by his loving wife of 38 years, Caron Olsen, as well as his six children and eight grandchildren.
Philip was born in Pocatello, Idaho on December 26, 1947 to parents Tod and Saxon Olsen. He grew up with sisters Kay and Jean.
After high school, Phil enlisted in the United States Navy and served during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1972. During this time, he survived a harrowing experience when the ship caught fire and the ox blood used to put out the fire brought sharks near the boat. His time in the Navy, while difficult, gave him an opportunity to see the world and thus fueled the love of knowledge that stayed with him throughout his life.
After his time in the Navy, Phil began working with motors. In May of 1985 he began a career as an outside salesman with Center Electric in Tacoma. He retired from the company in December 2014 after forming many friendships with both customers and colleagues.
While Phil may have looked intimidating at first glance, it didn’t take long after meeting him to sense his kind heart. Phil loved to “shoot the shit” with people from all walks of life and had a great sense of humor. He was genuinely interested in others’ lives and ideas and enjoyed talking and laughing with people. He had a passion for Harley Davidson motorcycles and, while he owned Harleys when he was young, he had given them up for adult responsibilities until his retirement when he purchased a 2004 Harley Davidson Wide Glide of which he was very proud. Phil’s other hobbies included calligraphy, crossword puzzles, backgammon, and especially spending time with his grandchildren whom he loved dearly.
Phil leaves behind his wife and love of his life, Caron Olsen, whom he cared for until his death. He is also survived by his children Jeremy Olsen, Sarah Mothershead, Ryan Mothershead, Sarah Iha, Stacey Black, and Erin Knapp; his grandchildren Lindsey Lannoye, Gavin Lannoye, Hailey Iha, Raelee Scott, Shanti-Sena Olsen, Kuleah Olsen, Ethan Mothershead, and Audrey Mothershead; and his sister Kay Johnson.
He was preceded in death by his father Orval (Tod) Kimbart Olsen, his mother Saxon Bernadette Olsen, and his sister Jean Howard Conley.
A service of remembrance will be held at Bonney-Watson Funeral Home in Seatac, Washington on Monday, November 12 at 11:00 with lunch to follow. The family welcomes you to sign the guest book below.
What a beautiful tribute to Phil. I am very sorry for your family’s loss. Thinking of all of you during this difficult time.
~Lisa Patton
Sorry to see this about Phil,
I met Phil many years ago in Idaho Falls and sold him his first Harley.
A 1952 Panhead. We rode together in a club called Kings Counsel.
Lost track of Phil when he moved to Washington.
Phil was good guy.