Jerry Grant Olmstead, 86, of Anacortes, passed peacefully at his residence on Friday, November 12, 2021, with his loving wife by his side.  He was born on June 23, 1935, in Glendale, California, the son of Lester and Gertrude Olmstead.  Jerry attended and graduated from Marshall High School, attended both UCLA & USC, graduating with a degree in Urban Planning. Jerry was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (UCLA).

Jerry met the love of his life, Joanna Cressman at UCLA and they married on July 12, 1958.  As an Urban Planner, his skills garnered him positions at various government agencies as well as private firms:  LA County Planning Department, Orange County Regional Planning Department, Lake County Regional Planning Department and with a consulting firm in Seattle.  Ultimately his experience, landed him a career as a Location Officer with Seafirst / Bank of America for a span of 21 years.

Two children were born to Jerry and Joanna: Kent and Jennifer.  The Olmstead family moved to Kirkland, WA in 1969.  Jerry was a dedicated father and committed himself to the community volunteering his time to coaching of Little League Baseball and Girls' Softball teams.  He was a great influencer in the lives of many girls and young women by setting an example and expectation that good things come to those who prepare and give it their all. When not coaching the team, he attended and supported his kids in all of their sports attending games in all the weather that the PNW can bring throughout the year.

Jerry and Joanna retired to Anacortes in 1997.  They spent his retirement years, boating in the PNW, in the San Juans and Gulf Islands.  They attended many Tollycraft Rendezvous in Roche Harbor.

His cochlear implant was a life changer for him and our family. What a blessing to be able to communicate easily and see him expand his world to international travel, listening to music, volunteering to support others in the hearing-impaired community and something as simple as conversation during and after meal time (something that most take for granted but was a true gift for the family).

The Olmsteads all had a love for cruising and exploring the Puget Sound with family and friends;  with many fond memories of boating and all that comes with that: morning coffee watching the harbor wake up, walks to explore the islands by foot, cocktail hour together on the fly bridge or back deck, sharing fresh caught crab and later reading books until sunset.

Jerry's love of photography expanded with retirement and travel.  He had fun learning and trying out the new camera technology and photography software. Seemed like every Christmas either brought new camera gear or software for him.

Jerry was predeceased by his parents.  He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joanna and his children: Kent (Natalie Mall) and Jennifer (Rodney King).

To share memories of  Jerry, please sign the online guestbook and bookmark this link for revisits: www.evanschapel.com/obituary/jerry-olmstead