Charles W. Olsen

Charles “Wayne” Olsen, 68, lifelong Cathlamet resident, died November 2, 2017 at SWWA Medical Center in Vancouver. He was born January 18, 1949 in Longview to Mervin and Myrtle (Bennett) Olsen.

After graduating from Wahkiakum High School in 1967, he joined the Army and was a Vietnam Veteran. He worked at Crown Zellerback after returning from the military and spent many years fishing on the Columbia River for several local fishermen. He also enjoyed many years fishing for halibut and salmon at Cooks Inlet in Alaska. He had a big heart and was a loyal friend. Wayne was an avid sports enthusiast from the Mules to the Mariners, and read the sports pages from cover to cover.

He is survived by a daughter, Nichole Olsen and a sister, Sandy Boldt, along with many friends including his friend and caregiver Jeff Wika, and many nieces and nephews and his beloved yellow lab, Mary Jane. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jeffery in 2014.

In memory of Wayne donations may be made to Pay to Play for Wahkiakum Students, P.O. Box 398, Cathlamet, WA 98612. A service is pending for late December. Arrangements by Dowling Funeral Home.