Jerry Bennett Olsen, EITW Honorary Life Member 0005

Born May 12^th, 1952 passed on February 20^th, 2011.  Jerry was dedicated to EITW from the initial meeting; serving on the first board of directors he was instrumental in the forming of our organization, from the creation of our logo to the procurement of most of our supplies.  Jerry’s expertise as owner of Western Marketing & Media continued to be our go to guy for everything from pens to trailers. 

 He is survived by his son’s Justin and Cody, daughter Jamie, an extended family of Denny Saunders, Levi and Jacob Thompson, Jenifer and Jeremy Beausoiell, Sister Dawn and Nephew Brandon Olsen and Aunt Pearl Marshall. Good friends with Kyle Winton, Tony Wells and Kelly White; Jerry will be greatly missed. 

More about Jerry

 Born and raised in Olympia by Wally and Millie Olsen; Jerry always had a connection to the outdoors and politics; he served as a House Page followed by a Legislative driver.  Graduating from Olympia High School Jerry’s interests in marketing and the outdoors led him into career in sporting goods; he was the Western States Field Sales Rep for several companies including fishing, hunting, optics, guns and archery equipment.  Marrying and having son Justin he moved to California in the seventies he managed and owned sporting goods stores in the bay area where he met Kyle Winton.

 Returning to Washington with Justin he re-married and had a daughter Jamie and son Cody, devoriced; changed carriers and began working for PacCom (which became TCI cable now Comcast) selling advertising and winning the “Telly” award for most sales nation wide.   Retaining custody of 15-yr old son Justin; in 1995 Deanie (Thompson) Clark came into his life with 3-sons (Denny 16-yrs, Levi 13-yrs and Jacob 12-yrs) and custody of her uncles children Jenifer 14-yrs and Jeramy 12-yrs.   To quote Deanie “Anyone who has been a parent of six teenagers would understand what he stepped into and he was wonderful at it.  He was an amazing man.”

 In 1998, old friend WDFW Sgt. Jim Tuggle (since retired) included Jerry in the first planning meeting for the Eyes In the Woods concept, connecting Kyle and Jerry again after 15 years.  To quote Kyle “Jerry’s true friendship and dedication to the EITW can only be described as irreplaceable.”  Kelly White and Tony Wells became good friends also.   To quote Tony “his giving friendship and commitment to the organization never faltered”.  To quote Kelly “Jerry was a loyal friend, true conservationist and firm believer in Eyes In The Woods.”

 Although Jerry may no longer be with us, his efforts and memory will live on.