Obituary of Richard Major Oltman

Richard M. Oltman, 89, of Shelton, Washington, died July 28, 2017 after living a full and remarkable life that has left a rich and lasting legacy to his family, friends and community. “Dick” was born in Aberdeen April 17, 1928 to Rudolph Wilhelm and Myrtle (Major) Oltman. He graduated from Irene S. Reed High School (1946) where his father was superintendent of schools in Shelton. After graduation, Dick immediately enlisted in the US Marine Corps, serving until January 1948. He enrolled at Washington State College where he participated in ROTC and graduated with a BS in general studies (Military Science and Tactics) in 1952, during which time he also met and married his wife of 66 years, Patricia Ellen Baker. Dick then entered the US Army (Infantry), rising in rank to a Lt. Colonel prior to his retirement in 1973. He served in Korea and Vietnam (twice), as well as stations in Okinawa and Germany. Dick relished the diversity of his military training and service that included Ranger school, Advanced Officer Training, teaching ROTC, weapons development, Command and General Staff School and battalion commander. His commitment to his country was reflected in his deep sense of duty and in the awards/honors he received, most notably: The Combat Infantry Badge (twice), Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Korean Service Medal and Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/ Silver Star. He and Pat took the frequent re - assignments here and abroad in stride, with humor (mostly!) and with adventurous spirits. Prior to retirement from the US Army, the couple purchased Shelton Travel Agency in 1972 which they owned & operated for 10 years, then managed for an additional 10 years for the new owners. Always wanting to do the best possible for clientele, Dick (and Pat) became credentialed as Certified Travel Consultants. Dick also taught travel classes at Griffin College (Tacoma) for 2 years. At 55, Dick obtained his Masters degree from George Washington University (Education and Human Development) pursuing his interest in promoting tourism in his community. For his master’s thesis, Dick created the plan for a community project that still influences Mason County today. This project became Dick’s “magnum opus” and is known as Oysterfest® (West Coast Oyster Shucking Championship & Washington State Seafood Festival). Dick’s vision and plans for the festival were embraced by his service club, Shelton’s Skookum Rotary. This group has creatively and successfully carried out that vision for 36 years, benefiting local nonprofit groups and community projects, promoting tourism, the environment and the seafood industry. While Dick received kudos for being the GOOFOO (Grand Old Oyster, Father of Oysterfest) including the prestigious WSU Achievement Award and having a day named after him by the City of Shelton, his greatest satisfaction was seeing his home community benefiting from and enjoying this festival. Dick savored time with his family and friends, loved laughter, a good joke and conversation. He was inquisitive, valued other’s opinions (and his own!) and was known to be relentless in pressing his view, yet willing to listen and learn from others. He played a mean game of Up Words, adored his granddaughter and was so very proud of his family. He is survived by his beloved wife Pat, his sister Margaret (Oltman)Roser, his son Richard Major Oltman Jr., his daughter Christine (Oltman) Appleyard, DVM and granddaughter Hannah Yanfang Appleyard and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his father, Rudolph, mother Myrtle, step mother Ada (Peterson) Oltman, and step sister Joyce (Peterson) Sheets. Interment will be at Tahoma National Cemetery (October 13, 11 AM) and a memorial service at Shelton Presbyterian Church (October 14, 1 PM). Arrangements are through McComb &Wagner Funeral Home, Shelton. The family wishes to extend its appreciation to Shelton Presbyterian Church and the deaconesses, Shelton neighbors and friends, General (ret) Jim McElroy, Debra Harvey (Lean on Me), Vita Morrison (Washington Ombudsman),Lewis Mason Thurston Area Agency on Aging. A verse of Dick’s favorite hymn “Be Still My Soul” reflects his and his family’s dependence on God’s grace: “Be still my soul, the hour is hastening on, when you shall be forever with the Lord, when disappointment, grief and fear are gone, sorrow forgot, loves purest joys restored. Be still my soul, when change and tears are past, all safe and blessed, we shall meet at last.” Memorial gifts in honor of Dick can be made to: Shelton Presbyterian Church, 1430 E Shelton Springs Rd, Shelton, WA 98584