Robert Earl Olmstead's Obituary
Robert (Bob) Earl Olmstead 82, of Mount Dora, Florida formerly of Coventry, CT, beloved husband of Carolyn (Kit) Preble Olmstead to whom he was married for 57 years, passed away on March 2nd, 2014 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Born in the Bronx, NY, on November 16, 1931, he was the oldest son of the late Robert and Kathleen (Sutherland) Olmstead of New Brunswick, Canada. When he was 10 years old the family moved from the states to Grafton, New Brunswick, Canada, where he spent most of his childhood with his older sister Frances (Gallagher), and his younger siblings: Albert and Laura on the family farm. In his junior year, Bob moved to the states to live with his cherished Aunt Violet and Uncle Ernest Sutherland in Waterville, Maine; successfully graduating two years later from Waterville High School Class of 1949. It is here that Bob joined the football team and met the love of his life, Kit, who was the head cheerleader. She would later be asked to be his bride. Upon graduation, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed as part of the occupational forces Europe, in southern France. He became head MP in charge of General Dwight D. Eisenhower's detail. After his tour he attended West Point and finished his studies at University of Maine (Orono) where he courted Kit. Kit and Bob were married on December 29, 1956 in Waterville, Maine. Kit and Bob moved to Colorado, and New York, finally settling in the quaint New England town of Coventry, CT where they raised their four children Marcia Garland-Miller married to Noel, (Coventry, CT) Barbara Stommel married to John, (Glenwood, MD) Bruce married to Karen (Hebron, CT) and Mark married to Sharon (St. Augustine, FL). Bob taught earth sciences and math in the West Hartford, CT Public School systems for the next 31 years until his retirement in 1990. Bob was a giving man, always looking for ways to give back to his community, his students and was always surrounded by family and a dog or two. At home he loved to garden, travel, work at the church and engage in politics. Bob was former Town Council Chairman in Coventry, CT, and active in politics throughout his life.
After retirement, Bob and Kit settled to winter in sunny Florida and summers near his childhood home enjoying gardening and family gatherings overlooking Eel River Lake, New Brunswick, Canada. Here Kit and Bob would raise crops that were shared with the deer, bear, fox, moose, and raccoons. During those years he was entertaining the community of Fosterville, hosting his family and friends, and even the surrounding towns with his famous spaghetti dinners as well as being a caregiver for his Aunt Violet. In Florida, Bob was active in Sister Cities, and as a lifetime honorary member of the Mount Dora Lawn Bowling Club. Bob also was active in his church at the First Congregational Church of Mount Dora. Bob served as an active member of the Uriel Masonic Lodge #24 for over 30 years.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, their four children; Marcia Garland-Miller, Barbara Stommel, Bruce and Mark Olmstead; his eight grand-children; Tegan Garland, Jacqueline Garland, Nicholas Stommel, Josephine Stommel, Brian Olmstead, Kathleen Olmstead, Patricia Howell and Nicholas Howell; and his great grand-child, Dalton. He is predeceased by his parents, his brother, Dr. Albert Olmstead, his sister, Frances Gallagher and his brother-in-law, Charles Gallagher, former Speaker of the House in New Brunswick, Canada.
Despite the lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s removing Bob out of the daily activities of our lives, he still found ways to cope and give back to everyone, especially influencing the lives of his care givers in such a positive way through his whistling and sometimes even a witty joke. We wish to thank the staff of the Osprey Lodge, Tavares, FL for their dedication and a true gift in showing us how to appreciate life.
Bob's life was honored at a memorial service on Friday, March 7th; Calling Hours were: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm; Memorial Service: 3:00 pm followed by reception at the Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funeral home in Tavares, FL. Additionally, the family will be conducting another service on Wednesday, March 19th at 5:00PM at the First Congregation Church, Main Street, Coventry, CT, 06238. A private family internment and dedication of life ceremony will be celebrated on Thursday, March 20th at the National Cemetery, Connery Avenue Bourne, MA. Arrangements have been entrusted to Steverson, Hamlin & Hilbish Funerals and Cremations, 226 E. Burleigh Blvd., Tavares, FL 32778, (352)343-4444. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared on the tribute wall.
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS please send donations to:
Dr. Albert F. Olmstead Memorial Award
Attention: Kim Roach
Development and Alumni Engagement
University of Prince Edward Island Steel Building
550 University Avenue
Charlottetown, PEI Canada C1A 1V8
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