OBITUARY
Michael Olsen, QM2(SS)

Perch Base Holland Club Member and Life Member Michael Olsen, QM2(SS) went on Eternal Patrol on December 8, 2022. Sadly, we just recently participated in a memorial service upon the passing of Mike's wife of 63 years, Ruth, on November 26, 2021. Our sympathy to his family Sven (Skip) Olsen, Dennise Fadler (Randolph), Michelle Hinson (H. Douglas), and James Olsen; eight grandchildren: Erin Olsen, Michael Fadler (Aline), Séan Olsen, Jacob Hinson, Emmalee Hinson, Christien Fadler, Kathleen Fadler Bishop (Tyrone), and Scott Olsen; and four great-grandchildren: William Olsen, Grayson Hinson, Violet Hinson, and Thatcher Hinson.
Mike joined the Navy in October 1956, and was discharged as a Quartermaster Second Class, QM2(SS) in February 1962, after serving on four submarines: the USS Rasher (SSR‑269), USS Seawolf (SSN‑575), USS Corsair (AGSS‑435) and the USS Pomfret (SS‑391)

Mike joined the United States Submarine Service Veterans, Inc. (USSVI) on September 1, 2003, at the Base 51 in Las Vegas, Nevada, then later moved to Surprise, Arizona and joined our Perch Base on February 8, 2014.
To no surprise, Mike became our Base Chaplain in November 2015. He could be counted on to visit ill members, conduct Eternal Patrol services, provide counselling to families and help members to obtain benefits. Mike was so committed to his role as Chaplain, he became the Chaplain at the Maricopa County Jail for the Veteran's unit. Even after he turned over the Base Chaplain role in October 2017, he still routinely would lead invocations and benedictions when the new Chaplain was not present. Mike routinely attended meetings and was a Base Operations Supporter donating monies or efforts to allow for Base operations while keeping our dues low and avoid raising money through member labor as most other organizations do.

A memorial service was conducted on January 16, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the Salvation Army North West Valley Corps.
Over 100 people attended the service.