Harry "Bill" William Olds

Harry W. Olds passed away on the beautiful snowy morning of January 7th, 2017. His life’s journey ended peacefully at his home in Corvallis, in the arms of Lee Olds, his wife of 50 years, and with two daughters by his side. Harry was born on May 16th, 1934 in the San Diego, California bedroom of his grandparents, to Ethel (Peggy) and Harold Olds. In 1944, Harry, along with his parents and grandparents, moved to Hoskins, Oregon. His family of origin was hard working, with roots in southern California well drilling, and Oregon ranching and logging. Although situated on 1,000 acres of land, the Hoskins home was without running water and electricity. One of Harry’s boyhood jobs was keeping the kerosene lanterns filled. The values and work ethic Harry was raised with, in this determined and hard scrabble setting, would set the stage for Harry’s truly amazing life. As a small child, Harry attended the local one room school house, riding his bike or horse to school each day. Harry then went on to graduate from Corvallis High School, Class of 1952. Harry was always unassuming, and a very hard worker. During his high school years, Harry worked part time, alongside his father and grandfather, in the logging business. The Olds family album contains photos of a teenaged Harry sitting atop a load of enormous logs, with his stern-faced father and grandfather standing below. These logs, and many more like them, were cut, loaded, and hauled off to market with handmade equipment, and without benefit of formal engineering or modern technology; all in a day’s work for Harry and his family! In 1953, Harry married Joyce Kelsey. At the age of 18, Harry joined the Navy Reserves, and soon after became a Seabee. After becoming a Seabee, Harry was deployed to occupied Japan, where he worked in logistics, supplying the Korean War effort. While on deployment, Harry was able to use his innate mechanical aptitude, and draw on the toughness and determination instilled in his early years, to make the most of his time and serving his country to his best ability. By the time his service ended, Harry had become proficient in working with steel, concrete, and wood. He had also learned valuable organizational skills, which skills would soon prove to serve him well. Upon returning home to Corvallis, Harry began a very successful construction and development career, which in time, provided the base for an equally successful career in real estate investment. In the years to follow, Harry and his future wife, Lee (Martin), would develop and manage many apartment, motel, restaurant, and retail properties located in Corvallis and Enterprise, Oregon, as well as in Bellingham, Washington. Harry and Lee were married in 1966. They were inseparable and a perfect match. So much so, that it was difficult to think of Harry without thinking of Lee, or Lee without Harry. Harry and Lee worked tirelessly throughout their life together, on all of their business ventures, the raising of three daughters, and living life to the fullest. And what a full life Harry lived! In addition to his many business successes, and being busy as a “Dad” to three growing daughters, Harry was an avid outdoorsman; whether hunting deer and elk with a bow & arrow, rifle, on foot, or horseback, Harry could do it all!. In his younger years, Harry loved waterskiing, going on Jeep adventures, as well as camping under the stars, in tents, campers, or horse camping, and generally enjoyed life in the outdoors making many memories with friends and family. In 1974, Harry and Lee fulfilled a lifelong dream moving to a ranch in Joseph, Oregon, where they planned to retire. It wasn’t long though before they began constructing motels and restaurants in nearby Enterprise. After 20 years in Joseph, Harry and Lee moved to Blaine, Washington, where they built a beautiful home, with panoramic views of both the water and the mountains. They thoroughly enjoyed their Blaine retreat for 20 years. Blaine became home base for yet more adventure. During the summer months, Harry, with Lee by his side, would captain their pleasure boats into Alaska for fishing, exploring, and relaxation. Then in the winter months, the duo would tour the country in their motor coach, stopping to spend time as Palm Desert snowbirds. These sea and land trips became a wonderful venue for time, catching up with friends and family. During the months when the “retirees” were not on the road or at sea, and when not preparing for the next adventure, Harry enjoyed spending time with Lee and their family. In 2014, Harry and Lee returned to their point of beginning, Corvallis, Oregon. Harry is survived by his loving wife, Lee, daughters Jill Powell (Donald) of Boring, Oregon, Kerri Burke (Edward) of Klamath Falls, Oregon, and Billie Meyer (Michael), of Hernando, Florida, along with 12 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. Throughout the years, Harry preserved many lasting friendships, including that of his former wife, Joyce. When asked about Grandpa Harry, his grandchildren remember him fondly as “really smart”, “amazing”, “so successful”, as well as a “funny prankster” and “an inspiration”. Harry approached life straight on. He worked hard, played hard, and made the most of the time he was given. He was a true Renaissance man with many varied talents. Given a worthy challenge, he would find a way to succeed. Harry was a loving and devoted husband, father, mentor, partner, friend, and a pretty good Texas swing dancer, too. Harry lived a wonderful and amazing life. Harry made a difference to many people. He will be lovingly missed, but never forgotten by those who knew him. A family service will be held in early February. The family would like to express their thanks to Dr. Athay, and Benton County Hospice for their wonderful care, support, and guidance through the final chapter of Harry’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Harry’s memory to The Mayo Clinic / Development Department for AL Amyloidosis Research, 200 First Street S.W., Rochester, MN 55905

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Harry "Bill" William Olds

May 16, 1934 - January 7, 2017