Lawrence “Lamb” Emmett Oliver, 88, longtime Aberdeen resident and former painter passed away on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at his home in Aberdeen, Washington.
Lamb was born on November 17, 1935, in Tulalip, Washington to parents, James and Josephine (James) Oliver. The family moved to Pacific Beach a few years later, where Lamb attended Moclips schools, and graduated from Moclips High School in 1953. He began working as a lumber grader with Aloha Lumber Mill for a few years. He then became employed with McCullough Painters, painting houses and commercial properties for over 30 years until his retirement.
On June 28, 1957, Lamb married the love of his life, Jacqueline Best, at Our Lady of Good Help Catholic Church in Hoquiam, Washington. The couple lived in Hoquiam until 1962 before purchasing their forever home in Aberdeen, Washington. They later had 4 children.
Lamb was a proud member of the Lummi Nation. He was the grounds crew chief during Tribal Canoe Journey with the “Willapa Spirit,” the family canoe. After he retired from the grounds crew position, Lamb became a mentor for the Oliver Canoe family crew, for the new canoe, the Le Comeqw. He also coached his daughters’ baseball teams, becoming the team favorite for his daughters and the other local girls while traveling to various tournaments throughout the years.
Lamb enjoyed bowling, he was on a mixed doubles team with his wife, daughter Barb, and son-in-law Perry. After meeting many professional bowlers through his grandson Perry D’s bowling endeavors, Lamb started to watch professional bowling on TV. He also took pleasure in playing darts with Jackie, Linda, and Bob and later with his son Larry. Lamb loved traveling with his wife to watch his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren participate in sporting events. One of his favorite was their annual Las Vegas trip to watch Perry D. bowl in the Team USA trials. He was very proud when Perry made the team in 2019, later winning a gold medal in the team event in Lima, Peru. Of course, Lamb was entertained with his favorite TV programs, and scrolling through Facebook, seeing what everyone was up to, and throwing in his two cents worth in. While Lamb enjoyed many things, his family was his world, as he was their number 1 fan. Through sporting events and camping, they were always together. So many wonderful memories were made that are still talked of today, and will forever be cherished. Lamb was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who loved deeply and will be forever loved and greatly missed.
Lamb is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jackie Oliver, of the family home; daughters Diane Dea of Auburn, Washington and Barb (Perry) Crowell of Hoquiam, Washington; son Larry (Tami) Oliver, of Hoquiam, Washington, son-in-law Robert (Linda) Sipe of Montesano, Washington; bonus son: Russ (Vickie) Sipe of Hoquiam, Washington; and brothers Jim (Margie) Oliver and Rob Oliver; sisters Joanne Potter and Marie Sagaberd; 14 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his loving daughter Linda Sipe; parents: James and Josephine Oliver; sister Marlene Dixon; and brother Doug Samples.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fern Hill Funeral Home. A rosary service will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 7: p.m. located at Fern Hill Funeral Home. A funeral will take place on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at noon at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Aberdeen, Washington. Graveside services will follow at Fern Hill Cemetery in Aberdeen, Washington. Reception at the Aberdeen Elks will follow. If you wish to leave a memory or note of condolence for the family, please visit www.fernhillfuneral.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.
