Gary Neil Olkonen, 75, passed away on July 20, 2018, at his home in Clinton, where he resided for 38 years.
Gary was born on March 4, 1943, to Albert and Elsie (Swan) Olkonen. He graduated from Langley High School in 1961. Gary met Judy (Martin) while dining at a local restaurant and on Feb. 3, 1974, they married at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Clinton.
Gary worked as a project manager overseeing the construction of bridges and highways with the Washington State Department of Transportation from 1963 until he retired in 2000. He was an active community member on the south end of the island and was involved with the American Legion Post No. 141 and was the first commander and charter member of the Sons of the American Legion. He was active at Holmes Harbor Rod and Gun Club of Langley as a past president and life member, and with the Langley Lodge No. 218 of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington and a Past Master of the lodge.
Gary was also active in the Transportation and Engineers Union, representing districts in an official capacity for the union in the state of Washington. After retiring, Gary worked as a consulting engineer on the West Coast for large construction companies and big projects in Oregon and California.
Gary’s true hobby was shooting in the Olympic Continental Trap League and represented the Holmes Harbor Rod and Gun Club for many years.
Gary is preceded in death by his wife Judy Olkonen, his parent’s Albert and Elsie Olkonen, and his brother-in-law Simon Delgado.
Gary is survived by his sister SelmaAnn Delgado of Clinton; his brother Evert Olkonen of Clinton; nephews and nieces Damien Cortez, Cyril Delgado, Quenby Delgado, Una Delgado-Guzman and her son Asher Guzman; and Ausencio Delgado and his children Laina Delgado, Deirdre Delgado, Hawkeye Delgado and Tiberius Delgado.
A memorial service will be held Sept. 9 from 2-5 p.m. at Holmes Harbor Rod & Gun Club. The family would like to thank the Whidbey EMS, Island County Sheriff, and Home Health Care representatives, nurses and providers.
