Arthur Olsen, Jr.

When Arthur K "Oley" Olsen, Jr. departed this world on July 28, 2013, he left a trail of laughter and affection. Born August 26, 1932, "Oley" was raised in Washington, DC. He learned to fly in his teens, attended the University of Maryland but interrupted his schooling by joining the Navy to fly in the Korean War. While on combat missions he was shot down twice by anti-aircraft fire. In the second episode, an exploding shell shattered both of his hips. "Oley's" hips were replaced but he spent many months recuperating. While in recuperation and for many years after his wartime service, "Oley" harnessed tenacious discipline by pushing his body to pass stringent airline physicals. "Oley" flew airplanes for commercial airlines, beginning with the prop-driven DC-3's and ending with the most advanced jets. He concluded his 38 year flying career as a Captain for U S Airways. He retired to Gulf Breeze in 1994. Meanwhile, "Oley" met and married the beautiful Geraldine "Gerry" Tarte. Their 50 year love affair was a fairy tale in real life. They lived and loved life together. "Oley" and "Gerry" were proficient sailors and cruised between the many islands of the Caribbean. They loved traveling; their tours covered five continents from the arctic to the tropics. "Oley" never met a stranger; and his unique sense of humor endeared him to all who he encountered. His friends remained friends forever. "Oley" was a decent person, a good citizen, a proud patriot and a gentleman at all times. In life, "Oley" flew with some of the best pilots on this earth. He is now flying with the Angels. Per his request, "Oley's" earthly remains were cremated. There will be a memorial service at St. Sylvester's Church, 6464 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563 at 10 AM Monday August 26, 2013. That day would have been his 81st birthday. There will be a reception in the parish center after the service. Please consider contributions to Covenant Hospice in memory of Mr. Olsen

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