Morris Edwin Boles

Morris (Morrie) E. Boles passed away with his loving family by his side. Morrie was born in Beech Grove, Indiana on February 1, 1928, to John and Myrtle Boles. In Beech Grove Troop #79, Morrie earned the Eagle Scout Award and enjoyed many years of fellowship with the Boy Scouts of America. Highlights included making lifelong friendships and sharing a train trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico, when he was 16 years old and a two week Canoe trip to Wisconsin. The principles he learned as a young man shaped his life time attitude of respect to others.

In 1946 after graduation from Beech Grove High School, Morrie enlisted in the U.S. Navy on a two year “Hitch”, which he spent nearly a full year at Bremerton Naval Station. Upon his discharge from active duty in April 1948, Morrie entered Purdue University at West Lafayette, Indiana. Morrie was recalled to activity duty and served aboard the USS San Marcos (LSD-25), a landing ship dock, from 1951 to 1952. Returning to Purdue University, Morrie earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry in 1954 where he was a member of the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity, primarily a service organization. Morrie and his wife Jan, started his career in forestry with the State of Washington at Beaver, a small community on the Olympic Peninsula near Forks. After serving in various positions with the Department of Natural Resources, he retired in July 1982. He immediately became licensed as a Real Estate Salesperson and joined the firm of Black River Real Estate, Inc. in Olympia. In 1988, Morrie passed his state exams as a Real Estate Associate Broker. In 1995, he transferred his license to Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic, Inc. in Lacey Washington. After 20 years and 9 months in the real estate profession, he retired to pursue his hobbies, travel and visit with his family and friends.

During his career, Morrie was active in the Society of American Foresters, achieving the honorary degree of Fellow Member in 1991, Certified Forester from 2002 to the present, and Golden Member in 2004. He received the President’s award from the South Sound Real Estate Exchangers in 1990, the Salesperson award from the Multiple Listing Sales Association in 1992, and the Realtor of The Year in 1996 and 1999 from the Olympia Thurston County Association of Realtors. In 1990 and 1993 he was President of South Sound Real Estate Exchangors. He was a Life Member of the ELKS.

Morrie had many friends and truly enjoyed hearing their life stories. Morrie had a true love of people and never had a bad word to say about anyone. He was loved deeply by all.

He enjoyed his “Wednesday Wonders” golf group; Society of American Foresters national, state local and retiree meetings and conventions; Ballroom Dance Group; Greater Olympia Dixieland Jazz Society; South Sound Rental Association; visiting with his family and friends; Navy reunions; planting trees and watering his grass in the summer; and visiting with his friends in the Palm Springs area in the winter.

In addition to his parents, John and Myrtle, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 49 years, Jeanette “Jan” (James) Boles; 1 brother Hubert; 2 sisters Ruth and Evelyn, and his twin sister, Doris.

His memory will be cherished by his wife, Carol; son, Mark (Susan); daughter, Brenda; grandchildren, Stephanie, Darren and Lindsey; many beloved nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.

His friends are invited to attend his Celebration of Life to be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 21st at the Mills and Mills Olympia Memorial Gardens, 5725 Littlerock Road SE, Tumwater, WA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can go to the Log-A-Load for Kids program. Please indicate the contribution is in Morrie's name so the family can keep track of those who contributed. Make check payable to: Children's Hospital. Mail to: Washington Contract Loggers Association, Log-A-Load for Kids Program, PO Box 2168, Olympia, WA 98507

Arrangements under the direction of Mills & Mills Funeral Home and Memorial Park, Tumwater, WA.