Shoreline CC professor honored for a "life well-lived"

A picture of Marty and Vicki Olsen at an April 26, 2014 memorial service for Marty Olsen

More than 350 of Marty Olsen’s best friends came to Shoreline Community College on Saturday, April 26, 2014 to pay their respects and reflect on a life well-lived.

Olsen, a faculty counselor and Professor Emeritus, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 13. 

Olsen joined Shoreline in 1973 and retired in 2009, touching the lives of co-workers and thousands of students during his 36 years of service.

A life-long resident of Seattle, Olsen was a graduate of Ingraham High School and the University of Washington. He earned a medal for his service in the Army during the Vietnam War. He is survived by his wife, Vicki, son Justin Olsen, daughter Tiffany (Steve Brewster), granddaughters Isabel and Ashley, sister Kathy (Al Dunn), brother Norman Olsen, and stepmother Gidge Olsen.

A common theme among the speakers was pointing out Olsen’s love of people and his selfless giving, with many describing him as a best friend. Indeed, when Vicki Olsen asked for a show of hands from those who had known her husband from a long list of activities, the room became a sea of raised arms.

“And for those of you who didn’t raise your hand, Marty would’ve loved you, too,” Vicki Olsen said.

The Shoreline Community College Foundation has established the Martin Olsen Memorial Scholarship Fund. “I’m sure Marty would love to know that he’s still helping students,” Justin Olsen said.