Robert Olsen 79, of Burlington Wa, passed away at his home Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Bob was born on April 23, 1944 in Seattle, the second of two children born to Harold and Pearl Olsen. He grew up in Seattle and graduated from Ballard High School. After high school, he planned to attend University of Washington to play football for the Huskies but an airplane accident tragically left him unable to attend. Bob did fully recover from his injuries after rehab and later did return to college and graduate with a degree in business which led to a successful career in sales and banking.

Bob met his future wife Sandra Heiberg at a local Seattle dance hall in 1965. They were quickly smitten and were married on January 15, 1966. They made a wonderful home in North Seattle before moving to the Skagit Valley in 1987, where they settled and built their dream on Caine Lake. Sandy and Bob were blessed with three sons – Dave, Chris and Mike.

Upon retirement in 2006 Sandy and Bob moved to Ellensburg to enjoy the warmth and small hometown community and made the Kittitas Valley their home until Sandy's passing in 2019 at which time Bob moved to Burlington to be with their family.

Bob was a wonderfully gregarious and social man known to all for his quick smile and open and friendly nature. He was raised in a talented musical family and was himself a wonderful musician playing not only the piano but also guitar. He had a wonderful voice that blessed many a family gathering and church choir throughout his life. Bob and Sandy loved their children and families very much and were always there for any event large or small in their lives providing loving support and amazing memories. Bob was also a wonderful community member and gave of his time to the Kiwanas while living in Burlington, and volunteered weekly at the local food bank in Ellensburg.

Bob is survived by sons Dave (Tiffany) Olsen, Chris Olsen, Mike (Chelsey) Olsen, and grandsons Andrew and Harvey all of the Skagit Valley area, as well as beloved extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Sandy, his parents, and his sister Donna.

A celebration of Bob's life will be hosted by his family Sunday, June 23rd at Burlington Lutheran Church in the Fellowship Hall following the 10:00 Sunday service.

Memorial contributions in Bob's honor are suggested to the Food Bank or Humane Society of Skagit Valley.

https://svneighborsinneed.com/donate/

https://skagithumane.org/gift-donation/