Arthur Oliver, 87, of Yelm, passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home in Clinton on May 4, 2009.

Arthur was born

Nov. 21, 1921 in Potlatch, Idaho to Arthur and Mabel (Elter) Oliver. He grew up in Pomeroy. After his graduation from high school he joined the Navy and served his country in the Pacific during World War II as a mechanic on PT Boats.

Arthur was honorably discharged in 1946, and married Jane Carolyn Himes in 1948. He and his wife and children had roots in Puyallup, Sumner and Burien until Arthur retired and moved to Yelm.

Arthur came to Whidbey Island to live with his daughter Linda and husband Sandy, who cared for him the last year-and-a-half of his life.

Arthur was preceded in death by his wife Jane and granddaughter Danielle Blomquist.

He is survived by Linda Heintz (Sandy), Clinton; Steven Oliver, Kennewick; Debbie Ackerman (Ronald), Auburn; six grandchildren, Andy Heintz and Jaime Blomquist, Freeland, Ozzie and Corrine Oliver, Richard and Darby Ackerman; and three great-grandchildren.

The family would like to give their heartfelt thanks to the Island Home nursing staff that cared for Arthur. A big thank you from our hearts to PC, Pam, Diane, Jenny, Kelly and any that they missed. Dad Just LOVED those gals and his favorite, “Bathman” Jim. Conrad Von Doran, dad loved your conversations about military service.

“Dad, you were the best! Anchors aweigh, Dad!”

Visser Funeral Home is helping the family with arrangements.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 6 at the Yelm Cemetery in Yelm.