Robert James Olmstead

Robert James Olmstead, 79, passed away the afternoon of July 16, 2026, peacefully surrounded by family after a long battle with bone cancer that turned aggressive in the final month. Robert was born on December 3, 1946, in Tonasket, WA. 

He leaves behind his wonderful wife of 59 years, Cheryl; his son Bobby Olmstead and his wife Liz with their 5 children, Hayden, Hunter, Harrison, Harper, and Hudson, along with son Ron Matlock and his wife Sharon with their children, Nicholas (Victoria - wife) and Ashley (Hunter - husband); and great-grandson Bentley. 

He is also survived by his sisters Marie Meshishnek (Damond - husband) and Janet Christman (Paul - husband) and his rambunctious dog, Coco. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Jessie Olmstead. Robert worked and retired from the Air Force after serving his country for 22 years as a flight and maintenance engineer. 

He did a tour in Vietnam early in his Air Force career. After the Air Force, he worked for Boeing and retired after 20 years as a QA Manager in Everett, WA. He was the QA Manager for the delivery of the two Air Force Ones to President Clinton in the 90s. Robert loved the outdoors. He enjoyed being out on the Puget Sound fishing and crabbing while living in Marysville, WA, and hunting everywhere he lived with his sons, grandkids, friends, and family. He was a loving and caring husband, father, uncle, brother, and friend to everyone he met. 

A celebration of life with military honors will be announced at a later date. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.