Bob was born May 7, 1932 to Alf Christian Olafson and Florence Loraine Junge in Dickinson, North Dakota. At age 7, his family moved to Tacoma, where Bob spent most of his youth. From1951 until his discharge in 1953, Bob served his country in the United States Navy. Bob went to Pacific Lutheran University and held a doctorate from the University of Washington.
Bob married Carolyn Sessions Olafson in 1967 and they lived for more than 40 years at Clear Lake near Spokane Washington. He had a long and distinguished career at Eastern Washington University where he served as a professor of English for more than 30 years. He taught and lectured in Mexico, Sweden, Japan and throughout the United States.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, stepson Stephen Matthews (Lorie), Brother Dick (Barbara), Niece Lynn, Nephew Mark and grandsons Brandon, Winston, Trevor and their wives.
Bob was known for his impish behavior, irrepressibly dry humor, and service to the community, as a professor, scoutmaster and as a volunteer leader at his church. He leaves a legacy of 2 novels, countless published papers, and hundreds of students. He is remembered as a beloved, friend, husband, father and grandfather.
A viewing for Bob will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, April 15, 2103 at the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, West Stake Center, 10405 W. Melville Road, Cheney with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 A.M. Burial Dedicatory Services will be at the Washington State Veteran's Cemetery, Medical Lake with Military Honors.
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