Delmer Edmond Olander

| May 7, 2018 3:00 AM

August 30, 1920 – January 6, 2018

Delmer Edmond Olander passed away in Spokane, Wash. on Jan. 6, 2018. Delmer was born in Ruff, Wash. on Aug. 30, 1920 to Gus and Katie Olander. His family were part of the original settlers of the area and he became a wheat farmer on the family homestead of over 2,000 acres. He honorably served in World War II from 1942 to 1945.

He returned home to Moses Lake after the war and continued his life as a wheat farmer. An excellent marksman, he won over 75 awards for his shooting skills. He was an avid collector of antique matchlocks, flintlocks, muskets and muzzleloaders, hosting and participating in many gun shows in the Pacific Northwest. Delmer also had a passion for fly fishing and knew where all of the best streams were to catch rainbow trout. A cast with a double hit was not unusual. For those of us that were lucky enough to fish with him, the vision of him wading midstream, smoking his favorite pipe and gracefully casting onto the water’s calm surface, will always be with us.

During his retirement years, he enjoyed volunteering as a docent for the Eastern Washington State Historical Society. With a keen interest in American history, Delmer enjoyed traveling and researching our country’s historic sites.

Delmer is survived by his son Rex Olander (Justine) and daughter Teresa Boynton (Jerry); grandchildren Justin Olander (Maija), Janet Shatto Holland and Renee Boynton; nieces Marjean Olander and Susan Hill (Richard); nephew Brian Baird (Katherine) and great-granddaughters Cheyenne, Sierra, Kayce and Kaysha Olander, along with grand-nieces/nephews and step children/grandchildren. He is predeceased by his elder brother Evarist (Ole) and his beloved younger sister, May Belle Baird.

Delmer’s final wish was to have his ashes scattered in one of his favorite fishing streams; pipes and cigars will be lit, icy cold beer consumed and tall tales will be told at a private celebration of his life. In Delmer’s memory, please consider a donation to the Eastern Washington State Historical Society.