Celebrating the Life of William 'Bill' Olden, Life Member with the Bowie Volunteer Fire Department

"I think dad would be very proud. Very proud," said Bill Olden Jr. of the turnout Saturday afternoon as he shared a few words about his father in front of a group of family, friends and fellow firefighters at the hall in the Glenn Dale Fire Department.

Bill Olden joined the Bowie Volunteer Fire Department in 1968, serving for many years as a firefighter and EMT. He was the department treasurer 1985-86, vice president of 1990-91 and assistant treasurer 1995-96. He also was in the historic preservation committee and chaired the fundraising committee for many years. In 1988, Olden was voted to the level of Life Member, which is given to those who have served at least 15 years in the department.

Friends and family spoke about their memories with Olden, one friend reminisced about talking about planes and flight—as Olden was a licensed pilot among other things. He was known as somebody that was approachable and easy to talk to, very hard working and willing to help out in any situation.

A friend of Olden, Bob Phillips, talked about his experiences working on the National Ski Patrol which Olden was a part of for more than 30 years. He reached the level of National Patroller, which is given to those who give a substantial amount of time and consistently provide exceptional service.

Olden was born Jan. 1, 1936, in Brooklyn, NY, and passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 18, 2011. He is survived by his wife of almost 53 years, Betsy, his children Susan, Bill, Scott and Nancy and grandchildren Victoria, Lindsey, Bill and Shannon.

Olden holds a Bachelor of Science in applied physics from Hofstra University and spent most of his career at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt from which he retired in 1996.

He was also a big sports fan, refereeing soccer, football and lacrosse. His favorite NFL teams were the Redskins, Ravens and Steelers.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Bowie Fire Department, 3262 Superior Lane, PMB 270, Bowie, MD 20715, or to the SPCA or Bowie CLAW.