Gilbert Wayne Russell Olin was born June 5, 1927, at Baird, WA, 20 miles west of Coulee City, WA, the son of Wallace and Clatie Olin, pioneers of Douglas County. He spent his young life on the farm and attended the Mt. View School, just two miles from home. He completed the ninth grade. Later in life, he completed his G.E.D. He married Dolores Hall on September 21, 1946, in Tonasket, WA. He worked seasonal jobs, until he went to work for Leo Laven in road construction and later, went to work for WSDOT, where he remained for 26 years, retiring at Walla Walla in 1989. He liked to travel, hunt for rocks and see as much of the beautiful U.S.A. as he could. He worked with the stones he collected. He painted, worked with wood and enjoyed the southwest, where he and his wife visited frequently.

Preceding him in death were his parents; four brothers; three sisters; and one granddaughter. Surviving are his wife of 63 years Dolores; five children, Naomi Mathews of Pasco, WA, Ellen (Bob) LeDuc of Wallula, WA, Peggy (Kenny) Scott of Walla Walla, WA, John (Gail) Olin of George, WA and Charles (Lisa) Olin of Union, WA; three sisters, Mildred Edwards of Ephrata, Edith Ritter of Ephrata and Delma Brown of Coulee City; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and 30 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services were held Saturday, June 26, 2010, at 1:00 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Coulee City, WA. Arrangements by Nicoles Funeral Home, Ephrata, WA.