The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Jeffery Lynn Olsen was born on November 4, 1951 in Longview, WA. He was the youngest of three children of Mervin and Myrtle Olsen. Jeff grew up in Cathlamet, WA where he loved sports. He was a star basketball and baseball player for the Wahkiakum high school Mules as well as a standout quarterback. After a brief time working in logging, Jeff put his attention on his love for horticulture. Jeff received a bachelor’s degree in Horticulture from Washington State University and a master’s degree in Horticulture from Oregon State University. He was hired as an Extension Horticulturist with Oregon State University Extension Service in November, 1983, to work with commercial growers of tree fruits and nuts. Over the years, Jeff established himself as a prominent and well-respected leader in his field moving into the role as the primary Extension Specialist for hazelnuts.

His research, publications, and presentations have benefited thousands of growers and professionals from throughout the world. He traveled the world to share his work through conferences, invited tours, serving as a technical advisor, and working as an international volunteer. These travels included Temuco, Chile; Windhook, Namibia; Bangkok, Thailand; Christchurch, New Zealand; Vitterbo, Italy; San Jose, Costa Rica; Rajasthan, India; Tarragona, Spain; Ordu, Turkey; Southern Africa; Krasnodar, Russia; Cape Verde, Africa; Northern India; and Melbourne, Australia. In 2008 Jeff was selected to be a review panel member for the United States Department of Agriculture/CSREES International Science and Education Grants program.

Jeff enjoyed music, travel, sports, movies, and jaunts on his Harley Davidson. He valued education, history, culture, and time spent with family and friends. Jeff was a deeply spiritual person and he especially loved his practice of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) program. In the summer of 1977 he completed his training to be a TM teacher in Avoriaz, France. Upon his retirement from OSU Extension Service this year, Jeff had planned to become a faculty member of Maharishi University of Management, in Fairfield, Iowa teaching in the Sustainable Living Department.

He was preceded in death by his parents Mervin and Myrtle Olsen. He is survived by his sister Sandra Boldt, brother Wayne Olsen, nieces Shelley Olsen (husband Bill Olsen), Patti LaBerge (husband Pete LaBerge) and Nichole Olsen; six great nieces and nephews Cody Olsen, Brieanna Olsen, Baylee Olsen, Madison LaBerge, Kennedi LaBerge, and Logan LaBerge; his “adopted sister” Paulette Mathers, his best friends Rob Cornell, Grant Philly, Brad Mylett, ex-wife Pamela Rose, and many dear friends and colleagues.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 29, 1 p.m., at J.A. Wendt Elementary in Cathlamet. Dowling Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.