Emmett Sampson OLIVER

Emmett Oliver (Dec 2. 1913 – Mar. 7, 2016) Emmett Sampson Oliver passed away on Monday afternoon at the age of 102. Oliver was born in South Bend, Washington, and served in the US Coast Guard in World War II and the Korean War. He retired from the Coast Guard as Commander. As an avid athlete with a thirst for knowledge, Oliver made his mark in education and coaching. Education was paramount in Oliver’s life. In his early teaching days, Oliver taught at Acoma Pueblo, San Lorenzo High School and Shelton High School, and even served as a school counselor, a job he served with pride and joy. Oliver also coached track and football. Oliver went on to direct the Indian Student Center at the University of California Los Angeles, the Indian Student Program at the University of Washington, and served as Supervisor of Indian Education for the State of Washington. As supervisor, Oliver worked to change tribal educational policies at the state and national levels. Oliver was chosen as Chairman of the Bay Area Native American Committee, which was involved in the occupation of Alcatraz. In Washington’s Centennial year of 1989, Oliver served on the State Heritage Council, as well as on the Maritime Committee of the Centennial Commission, where Oliver established the Paddle to Seattle. He is preceded by his wife of 62 years, Georgia and their son, Arne. He is survived by his children: Marvin Oliver and Marylin Bard and their spouses, Brigette and Dave. His nine grandchildren: Rob, Karen, Brian, Lisa, Brooklyn, Christina, Owen, Isadora, and Sampson. His nine great-grandchildren: Brandon, Bethany, Blake, Tommy, Mary, Isiah, Adrianna, Raven, Aaliyah. And his two great-great grandchildren: Lincoln and Leia A public memorial service will be held at the Chief Leschi Gym in Puyallup at 10am on Saturday, March 12th.