Philip J. Dolan

Philip J. Dolan Philip J. Dolan, age 99 and a 70-year resident of Olympia, Washington, died peacefully at home with loving family by his side on November 16, 2011. He was born on December 31, 1911 to William and Ann (Lentz) Dolan in Yakima, Washington. Philip grew up in Tacoma. He graduated from Bellarmine High School in 1930 and was its oldest living graduate. He also attended the College of Puget Sound and local business colleges. On July 15, 1935, he married Marguerite E. Sudmeier of Selah, Washington, his childhood friend and devoted wife of 65 years. They moved to Olympia in 1941. His varied work career included civil engineering work with the City of Tacoma, including projects on the first Narrows Bridge, the Cushman Dam, and Nisqually Glacier surveys on Mt. Rainier. Working for the U.S. Bureau of Public Roads, he helped build the Stevens Canyon Road and White Pass on Mt. Rainier, Paradise Road at Mt. Hood, and the Cook City–Red Lodge highway in Montana. He worked as a supervisor in the Washington State Employment Security Department for 32 years, retiring in 1973. He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, St. Martin’s Oblates, Wanderers Club, and the Puget Sound Organ Club. His many interests included golf, boating and fishing, model trains, and an all encompassing love of Mt. Rainier. He was known for telling vivid stories of his adventures of 10 decades, fascinating the children as they gathered around him over the years. His greatest legacy was his passionate devotion to family by whom he was greatly beloved. Philip is survived by his sons, Philip J. Dolan Jr. (Peggy) of Massachusetts, and Ralph M. Dolan (Gloria) of Oregon; his daughter, Marianne Brandt of Waterville, Washington; daughter-in-law, Joyce Dolan of California; his 10 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren; a brother, John A. Dolan; a sister, Elizabeth Schutzman, both of Wisconsin; and devoted friend, Jean Papiez of Olympia. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marguerite; son, Kenneth W. Dolan; and son-in-law, Danny Brandt. A vigil will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 20, 2011 at South Sound Manor, 455 North St. SE, Tumwater. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Michael Catholic Church, 1208 11th Ave. SE, Olympia, on Monday, November 21, 2011 at 12:00 noon. Interment will be in the family plot in Calvary Cemetery, Tacoma. Please leave remembrances and condolences in the Guestbook below.