Obituary - Ernest Olmstead

Thursday, May 10, 2001
THE JUNEAU EMPIRE

Longtime Alaskan and former Juneau resident Ernest C. Olmstead, 85, died April 26, 2001, in Anchorage.

He was born April 22, 1916, in San Diego. He moved to Alaska in 1957 and lived in Anchorage for 28 years. He lived in Juneau from 1985-95.

Olmstead was a pioneer in long-haul truck driving in Alaska. He hauled the first truckload of crude oil from the first producing well in the Swanson oil field in 1958. He retired from Teamsters local 959 in 1970. He was awarded a plaque of appreciation and a vial of oil for his dedication during the early oil pioneering days in Alaska.

He enjoyed driving, fishing, bowling, bingo, reading and dancing and dedicated amny hours to volunteer work. His family said, "He was a devoted and loving husband and father, and we loved his stoic and kind nature, his sense of humor and patriotism."

He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Elaine, in 1996.

He is survived by his daughters Charlene (and husband Gale) Carlisle of San Diego, Bonnie (and husband Hank) Ouzts and Maureen (and husband Terry) Stellings of Anchorage and Toni (and Scott) Egbert of Wasilla, sons Charles (and wife Gale) of Hilo, Hawaii, Ernie Olmstead of Juneau, and soninlaw Robert Reynolds of Anchorage; 41 grandchildren and great grandchildren including Erik and Brigida Olmstead and Jake Garcia of Juneau.

Services were held earlier in Anchorage. His family can be contacted through Ernie R. Olmstead, 1675 Fritz Cove Rd., Juneau, 99801

Sunday, May 13, 2001
THE JUNEAU EMPIRE
Ernest C. Olmstead

Longtime Alaskan and former Juneau resident Ernest C. Olmsted, 85, died April 26, 2001, in Anchorage.

He was born April 22, 1916, in San Diego. He moved to Alaska in 1957 and lived in Anchorage for 28 years. He lived in Juneau from 1985-95.

Olmsted was a pioneer in long-haul truck driving in Alaska. He hauled the first truckload of crude oil from the first producing well in the Swanson Oil Field in 1958. He retired from Teamsters local 959 in 1970. He was awarded a plaque of appreciation and a vial of oil for his dedication during the early oil pioneering days in Alaska.

He enjoyed driving, fishing, bowling, bingo, reading and dancing and dedicated many hours to volunteer work.

His family said, "He was a devoted and loving husband and father, and we loved his stoic and kind nature, his sense of humor and patriotism. Keep on A-trackin', Ernie."

He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Elaine, in 1996. He is survived by his daughters Charlene (and husband Gale) Carlisle of San Diego, Bonnie (and husband Hank) Ouzts and Maureen (and husband Terry) Stellings of Anchorage and Toni (and Scott) Egbert of Wasilla, sons Charles (and wife Gayle) of Hilo, Hawaii, Ernie Olmsted of Juneau, and soninlaw Robert Reynolds of Anchorage; 41 grandchildren and great grandchildren including Erik and Brigida Olmsted and Jake Garcia of Juneau. Erik will be carrying on the memorable Olmsted heritage.

Services were held earlier in Anchorage. His ashes will be scattered in Resurrection Bay near Seward.