Claire Adrian Olson

Claire A. Olson, 77, of Vancouver passed away Saturday, August 2, 2014 at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, Vancouver. He was born July 18, 1937 in Ulen, Minnesota. He was raised by his grandparents, Alex and Clara. At the age of 11 he moved out west with his grandparents to Seattle, WA.

After high school Claire served his country as a Marine. He was trained in Aircraft engine mechanics and aviation. After his discharge from the Marines, Claire went to work for Cummins NW in Seattle. He worked his way up through the company over 37 years and finally retired in 1998 as a District Field Engineer. He was well respected by his co-workers and was sought after to train the new corporate engineers coming out of college. He thought it was important to teach them the practical knowledge they didn’t learn in school. Claire had a natural gift for learning and teaching mechanics, skills with math and was primarily self-educated. He loved to learn and discuss subject’s he was interested in.

While on a blind date in Seattle, Claire met the love of his life, Mary Ann. They were married at Faith Lutheran Church in Seattle on April 15, 1961.

In his retirement he volunteered for the Salvation Army, and the Red Cross.

Claire was a long time, active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Vancouver, the Sons of Norway and the Society of Automotive Engineers. In his spare time he loved traveling, woodworking, working with cars and studying history. As a Norwegian tradition he loved "Lutefisk and Lefsa" for Christmas eve dinner with his family.

Claire is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ann; children, Mark S. (Tonya) Olson and Rebecca M. Olson-Cramer; grandchildren, Rachel Cramer, Ali Olson, Samantha Cramer, Stephen Olson and Erica Cramer; great-grandson, Nathan; and brother-in-law, Paul Demeule.

Nieces and nephews; Dana, Debbie, Diane, Tim, Linda, Jerry, Linda, Karen, Donna, Betty, all loved by their uncle Claire.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Alex and Clara Olson; mother, Irene King; brother, Stephen King; and sister, Marsha Demeule.

There will be two funeral services for Claire. The first service will be 1:00 PM, Thursday, August 7th at Trinity Lutheran Church, 309 W. 39th St., Vancouver, Washington. Followed by a second service, 1:00 PM, Friday, August 8th at Faith Lutheran Church, 8208 18th Ave. NE, Seattle, Washington.