Roy Kenneth Olson
March 13, 1925 - July 20, 2009
Obituary
Roy K. Olson
March 13, 1925 to July 20, 2009
Born the 9th child of 16 children to Norwegian immigrant parents Ole and Inga Olson. Preceded in death by his parents, and siblings: John, Borghild Leary, Oswald, Sylvia White, Ole, Gladys Leeper, baby Roy, Hank, and Helen Seitz. Survived by siblings: Martin Oleta, Mary Holvand, Willes, Hazel Thompson, Donald and Esther Seaholm.
Preceded by his wife Syble Louise Spearman of 39 years of marriage. Survived by his step children: Bob Heather DuBos, Tim Gail DuBos, Pat Linda DuBos and daughters Diane Bellamy and Leilia Perez.
After his wife’s passing and for more than 6 years he was lovingly cared for by his daughter Denise DuBos. The last 8 months of his life he was tenderly cared for by an amazing staff at Spring Time Adult Family Home in Renton, Washington where he peacefully passed away.
He was raised on a working horse and cattle ranch in Grass Range, Montana. Roy loved horses, in fact he was sought after and people came from miles around because of his magical ability to break and train them.
One story he told me was his Papa asked him how much he charged to break a horse and Roy said, ‘ten dollars.’ His Papa exclaimed, ‘ten dollars! That’s not enough to cover the hay!’ He also told me he always wanted a bicycle. I told him you had every kid’s dream a horse! He asked his Papa for a bicycle and he replied, ‘there’s 250 head of horses go pick one!’
Roy graduated from Grass Range High School in Montana and was class valedictorian, because he was so shy and asked to make a speech he declined this honor, much to his mother’s dismay.
Right out of high school he was recruited to go to the Schools of Mines in Butte, Montana and the Navy. He served our country in WWII and the Korean War on a Mine Sweeper and received many honors. He worked for a secret agency in New Mexico. He worked for the Boeing Company as a Civil Engineer. In 1974 he was Engineer of the year for the Boeing Company and he was sent all over the world. While living in New Orleans, Louisiana he met and married Syble DuBos Spearman on December 21, 1967. Not only did he have a new wife, also he took on 4 step children and a new positon with Boeing that transferred him to Seattle, Washington. He retired from Boeing after working there for more than 35 years. Roy and Syble enjoyed their retirement by cruising around the Puget Sound on their 39′ yacht. In addition Roy loved horses, playing pool, gardening, history and traveled several times back to Norway for more information. For many years he toiled writing, researching and scanning photos and created a beautiful book of his family genealogy.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to:
Group Health Foundation
320 Westlake Ave N Ste 100
Seattle, WA 98109
I am grateful he was my Dad. As his daughter I cannot do justice to the many accomplishments in his life and I ask others to share their memories and stories in this guest book.
My Dad was an amazing man who woke up happy and smiling every day! I used to joke with his Doctor that this can be a little irritating sometimes. Dad was My Love Bug. I will miss him and am happy he is now in heaven. See you one day Dad.
I love you,
Den Denise DuBos & Ming too!
As a best friend of Roy’s daughter Denise, now for at least 40 yrs, I will always remember Roy as the most charming and gracious father of all my friends. Always had a smile, was never judgemental. I will always remember the times we would go as young women on cruises with them on their boat, we always had a blast. To Roy and Syble, thank you for always accepting me with graciouus arms, It makes me happy to believe you have been reunited once again in heaven. Thank you Denise for making Roy’s transition a smooth one.
Love, Deb
Bob-Den-Tim-Pat
Roy was a fine man and a loving companion of your Mom for all the years until her death. They will be once again joined together in new life where both will no longer have pain and in eternal happiness. I continue to keep them in my daily prayers, as well as each of you.
God Bless you – Dad
I had the honor of meeting Roy as his massage therapist at the Senior Activity Center in Des Moines, Wa. During our visits Roy was always smiling and happy. Although he wasn’t always in what we call the present time, he took me on memorable journeys into his past. He loved his wife and he loved Denise. He always would tell me sometime during our sessions. “I have had a good life.” I will miss you Roy.
Roy,
Thank you for being such a special man and for all you did for us. You helped make my mothers life complete, and also brought us to Seattle.I know you missed Syble these past years, but now you are together again. You were an inspiation and provided such a solid example of what is is to be a man. You will be missed dad. Love Bob Jr.
Denise, Bob, Tim & Pat,
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad Roy. I know he was special to all of you. You are in our thoughts, and we send our love from your family in N.O.
Michele
Roy wasnt Perfect, but he stepped up to the plate and married my mom who had 4 crum snatchers from another man. I wasnt his most liked Son , but still had a nice relationship with him, I hope I can follow his addvice and give kindness to all I meet and make a difference in this unmoral world. Choosing Gail for my wife was the best advice you ever gave me thank you and may God Be with you always, your step son Tim.
We will always cherish the memories we made with Syble and Roy. I remember the wonderful yacht and the fun we had with them. Bill was showing his appreciation for an outing on it by offering to pay for a tank of gas. He gulfed heavily at the shock when he had to pay $150.00 for his magnanimus offer Gas was not so expensive when this took place.. Roy always had a sweet attitude and smile. He was a very special man and we are so glad we had the opportunity to be a part of his life. We loved him very much!
With love,
Bill and Helen