Steven Olds

Steven James Olds, 82, died on May 30, 2024 in Newport, RI. Steve was born on August 31, 1941 in Portland, Oregon, the only child of Matthew and Avara Grace (Perrin) Olds.

The family moved to Seattle and then settled in Burlingame, California. He played football for Burlingame High School and during his senior year was named Peninsula Athletic League Player of the Year. He attended University of the Pacific on a football scholarship and earned a degree in business administration. Upon graduation he attended UCLA and received his MBA.

Steve entered the Army in 1969 as a 2nd LT and spent 4 years in Germany. He had a long career at Kaiser Aluminum as a human resources director, moving his family wherever the company needed him to negotiate and settle strikes. He instilled a strong work ethic in his kids. When he retired, he volunteered for the Food Bank of Baton Rouge and worked so many hours that they insisted on hiring him.

Steve loved his four-legged friends and was never without one in his life --- Happy, Zambini, Bark, Fergie and Fannie, to name a few. Steve connected with his kids through sports - he umpired and coached their various softball and soccer teams, and endured many a swim meet. He was an avid runner and completed a number of marathons including Chicago and New York. Later in life, he was a regular at the Newport Athletic Club where he enjoyed working out and the camaraderie found there.

He was an avid crossword puzzler who gave Jean a run for her money. Steve loved road trips across country where Jean would read aloud to him as he drove the Prius. He was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church and regularly worked the soup suppers. He loved to cook... his specialty was fried rice and the kids and grandkids would beg him to make it on their trips to Rhode Island.

Steve is survived by his loving wife Jean Sandvig Olds, his daughters Kimberly O'Boyle (Bill) of Tega Cay, SC, Jennifer Frank (Travis) of St. John, IN, Hope Olds of Washington, DC, Borgit Olds of Salt Lake City, UT, and Amber Little of Denham Springs, LA. He is also survived by his grandchildren Jessica Lovins, Justin Frank, Chase Lovins, Cory Frank-Villegas, Bailey Little, Kimber Little, Ollin Olds, Liv Lurie, Atticus Lurie, Lucile Denker and five great-grandchildren.

There will be a memorial service at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 525 Broadway, Newport, RI on June 15th at 11:00 am. Burial will be private. Donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Maher Center or a charity of your choice.