Samuel Jackson Bolling

April 17, 1927 - February 8, 2020

Samuel “Sam” Jackson Bolling was born April 17,1927 to Peter and Ruth (nee Hatcher) Bolling in Steilacoom, Washington. He grew up and attended school in Shelton joining the U.S. Navy in 1944 which he proudly served until his honorable discharge in 1946. Ever an entrepreneur he worked as a Ford body and fender man until establishing his first business in Olympia, Washington, Bolling Body and Fender. Sam loved to dance and it was at the Evergreen Ball Room he met his best friend, wife and life-long dance partner, Patricia “Pat” Greene. Sam and Pat were married July 14, 1950 and in 1953 welcomed their daughter Cynthia “Cindy”. Even more than dancing, Sam loved the sea and built his first boat while still a newlywed. However, with a youngster to consider, he and Pat decided to step up to a 17’ fiberglass cuddy cabin and soon after, he closed the body and fender business to join the Olympia Motor Boat Mart as a salesman and partner. In 1961 Sam and Pat sold their interest in the Olympia store to establish their own marine store, B&B Marina and Ski in Bremerton. They worked together in building a business that earned them the nickname “Mr. and Mrs. B&B” which they operated until 1983. Sam turned his attention to distributing aluminum Duroboats throughout the nation – trailering boats as far as South Carolina and Toronto, Canada with Pat serving as navigator. Sam and Pat were always open to adventure and enjoyed boating, downhill skiing, gardening and entertaining. They realized one of their treasured dreams when they built their home in Manchester and which Sam maintained after Pat passed in 2011. He grew vegetables, apples and a variety of berries plus pursued his passion for boat building hand crafting cedar strip canoes and kayaks. Sam is survived by his daughter and son in law Cindy and Jim Briggs, his beloved granddaughter Chelsea (Brian) Tomlinson and his great granddaughter and namesake, Samantha Ann Tomlinson. Also by his sister in law Gladys Bolling and numerous nieces and nephews. At his request there will be no services but asked to be remembered with a smile.