St. John's Cemetery Individual Record

Richard B. Jr. OlneyRichard B. Jr. Olney

Richard B. Jr. Olney
(March 10, 1944 -- March 10, 2014)

Section: 62b
Space: 2
Lot: 8
Parents: Richard B. & Patricia Davis Olney
Spouse: Colleen S. Olney
Place of Birth: Pensacola FL
Military: Vietnam War
Occupation: Business
Comments: USAF & Cluemaster
Current Owner: Olney, Richard B. COL
Area: 0
On Monday, March 10, 2014, at 12:05 a.m., moments after the family sang "Happy Birthday" to him; Richard B. Olney, Jr. "Dick Olney" drew his last breath and exited this life to join family and friends that have gone before him.

He was born on March 10, 1944, in Pensacola, FL, at the old Sacred Heart Hospital into a lineage of 10 generations of Olneys who served through military and public service. He graduated from the Citadel Military College in 1966 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and had a short career within the Air Force, which culminated in 1971 when he returned to Pensacola with his family. Dick Olney was well loved and loved well especially in the greater Pensacola community of builders/architects/realtors, the Fiesta of Five Flags, St. Mary's Productions, as well as the members and families of the Pensacola Suburban West Rotary where he served as their "Santa" on many wonderful occasions. Dick was the pirate, who wrote the clues for the Fiesta of Five Flags Deluna Treasure Hunt, which saw great success and popularity in the 70's and 80's with witty and poetic riddles that, not only inspired the learning of the history of the 1st settlement, but also led individuals to broaden their minds with clever literary references (e.g. friend-of-reynard : pal-a-fox). As publisher of Builder/Architect Magazine, he found another creative outlet through his publisher's notes and promoted many local home builders and architects by chronicling their accomplishments. He influenced many, not just his girls and baby sister, but also the children he substitute taught in the Escambia County school system with his passion for poetry, literature, and the Spanish language. His last days were spent being read to and serenaded by loved ones.

Dick Olney is preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Davis Olney.

He is survived by his wife, Colleen Olney; father, Col. Richard B. Olney (Cynthia); daughters, Kathy, DiDi, and Amanda Olney; sisters, Bobbye Olney Carroll and Trisha Olney Bothwell; step-sister, Lisa Gibbs; grandchildren, Elery and Amalie Ostertag; nieces and nephew, respectively, Nicole Carroll Keating, Margaret Rachels Brunner, Jeannie Carroll Schmidt, and Michael Carroll. Dick is also survived by the following special individuals, Jackie R. Olney, mother of his children; Tom Ostertag, father of his grandchildren; Michael Bailey, partner of Dick's daughter, Kathy; Larry Nevins; Sam Bothwell; John-David Keating; and a large family of cousins. His legacy can be seen in the indelible marks he has left on the many people he knows and loves. The stories and songs he has taught us will live on through us, and remember, "He who speaks my name causes me to live again."

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 12, 2014, from 5-7pm at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel.

Graveside service will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2014, 11am at St. John's Cemetery, 301 N. G St., Pensacola, FL 32501.

Flowers and other forms of respect are welcome.

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