MADISON E. OLIVER
April 14, 1925 - Aug. 17, 2010
Madison was born in Hermosa Beach, CA to Eldon and Gertrude Oliver. He lived in San Diego during his early youth, moving to Redding, CA at 14. Following high school graduation, he served three and one-half years in the U.S. Naval Amphibious Forces in the Pacific during WWII.
In 1951 he received a B.S. degree in Applied Science from Chico State Univ., CA and a B.S. degree in Mech. Engineering, 1953, Washington State Univ., Pullman.
He began his career designing and developing nuclear weapons for Sandia Corp. in NM and CA and working in the defense industry. In 1963 he and his wife moved to American Samoa. Oliver worked six years in the Dept. of Public Works. During the last two, he served as director.
In 1970 the Olivers relocated to Hawaii where he worked for The Ralph M. Parsons Co., an engineering and construction firm. He became gen. mgr. of Parsons Hawaii and a vice president of Parsons Overseas Co. In 1991 he retired from Parsons, ending a career overseeing the planning, design and construction of airports, hospitals, roads, utilities, and other projects throughout the Pacific basin.
The Olivers moved to Woodburn, OR in 1994 where he authored a book, "The Elusive Cobra," which chronicled his long bout with neck cancer.
He was a registered professional engineer in the state of NM, a past member of Pi Epsilon engineering honorary, and member of both Am. Society of Mech. Engineers and Military Engineers. He served as club president and area governor in Northern CA Region of Toastmasters Intl.
Other organizations he was a part of included: board of directors, Pago Pago C. of C.; Honolulu C. of C.; Univ. of HI President's Club; Pacific and Asian Affairs Council; charter member, Pago Pago Rotary Intl.; president, board of directors, Marina Towers Condominiums, Honolulu; Chico-Leland Stanford Lodge #111, F&AM.
He is survived by wife, Virginia; sister, Madelyn Wallace; nephews, nieces and cousins.
Celebration of life, Woodburn Christian Church, Aug. 28. Private interment of ashes with Oregon Military Honors, Willamette Natl. Cemetery, Portland, Aug. 30.
Arrangements by Simon-Woodburn Funeral Chapel.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
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