O. Bjarne Andvik

Odd Bjarne Andvik was born to Berger and Olufina Andvik in the village of Andvikgrend, Masfjordness, Norway, on March 30, 1923, the third of five children. The family immigrated to Seattle when Bjarne was one year old. He attended John B. Allen elementary school and graduated from Ballard High School. He served in the Army Air Corps during WWII as a B-17 and B-29 pilot. He graduated from the University of Washington in 1950 with a BS in Civil Engineering, and worked for Pacific Northwest Bell Telephone Company for 29 years, retiring in 1985.

Bjarne married Marion Knaier in 1952 and they raised 3 children and 2 nieces. The family enjoyed hiking, camping, skiing, boating and in later years Bjarne and Marion traveled extensively. He attended Emmanuel Bible Church for 60 years serving as a Sunday school teacher, deacon, high school sponsor, elder, and Chairman of the Missions Committee. He served on the boards of Lake Sammamish Bible Camp, Overseas Radio and Television and The Japan Evangelical Mission. He was also an active member of The Gideons for nearly 30 years. He had a beautiful singing voice and sang many solos, as well as in many duets, quartets, and choirs. Marion passed away in 1993. Bjarne became reacquainted with an old friend Elaine (Rottrup) Reiff and they married in 1994. They enjoyed traveling and involvement at Warm Beach Senior Community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marion, brothers Arnold and Martin Andvik, sister Sylvia Lattin, sisters-in-law Betty and Barb Andvik, niece Kathy Sweeney and son-in-law Ron Arthur. He is survived by his wife Elaine, children Susan (John) Forsythe, Erik Andvik, Tina (Eric) Curteman, niece Marvel (Tom) Bohl, 7 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, brother Orville (Helen) Andvik, brother-in-law Jack Lattin, sister-in-law Flo Andvik, step-children Lorene Gabler, Steve Reiff and Marie Anderson, and many nieces, nephews and step-grandchildren.

In Bjarne's own words, his was a "purpose-driven" life, with an early commitment to serve his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In lieu of flowers, memorials gifts may be sent to The Gideons, PO Box 409, Marysville, WA 98270