Roy Kenneth Olund

Roy K. Olund, born on May 2, 1941, in Bremerton, Washington, raised in the close-knit community of Manchester with the Puget Sound and Blake Island as his playground, departed this life unexpectedly on August 22, 2025. Roy’s journey was marked by the love of family, a passion for discovery, and an unwavering commitment to his work.

Roy was a proud 1959 graduate of South Kitsap High School, in the top 10 of his class. He then went on to graduate from the University of Washington in 1963 where he earned a degree that launched his remarkable career at UW’s Chemistry Electronics Shop. He served as an outstanding Engineer for an extraordinary 54 years! Some of those years he spent in the Oceanography Department and aboard the Research Vessels Thomas G. Thompson, and the MV Brown Bear traveling the Mediterranean and Black Sea’s, Caribbean, and the Pacific Ocean off North and South America, and Japan. His expertise and quiet dedication left a lasting imprint on countless colleagues and friends. Though Roy officially retired in 1998, his love for learning and helping others drew him back to continue working until 2019, embodying a spirit that never truly left the University of Washington.

Roy was the beloved son of Sigward A. Olund and Ethel O. Olund. He was preceded in death by his nephew David Olund, whose memory remained close to his heart. Roy is survived by his older brother Donald Olund and younger sister Kathy Sundberg, along with her husband Terry. He is also remembered by his nieces and nephews: Deanna Hunter (Mark), Andrew Sundberg (Ainsley), Amy Tupper (Dan), Alicia Stauss (Florian), and eleven grand nieces and nephews.

Roy found joy in life in many ways-cooking exotic Thanksgiving feasts, sharing laughter and stories with family, participating in rally car courses back in the day, and listening to jazz music. His curiosity knew no bounds-he was an avid reader, drawn to the wonders of science, biology, astronomy, and the environment. Bird watching and travel offered Roy moments of wonder and reflection, connecting him to the natural beauty he so admired.

Roy’s legacy is one of always learning and curiosity--a life well-lived and well-loved. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered for his wisdom. He left this world the same way he always left family get-togethers…quietly slipping away so that everyone was left asking, “Where’s Roy?”

May Roy’s memory be a source of comfort and inspiration and may his spirit live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

The burial will be held at Sunset Lane Memorial Park in Port Orchard, on September 23 rd at 11am.