Michael S. Olin

November 7th, 1952 - June 19th, 2026

Michael S. Olin, a lifelong Spokane resident, passed away on June 19, 2026.

Mike was born in Walla Walla, Washington, at St. Mary Hospital and was adopted by Harry and Lucille Olin at the age of two months through the Catholic Church.

Mike grew up on the northeast side of Spokane in the Shadle area. He attended St. Charles Grade School and Gonzaga Prep High School, graduating with the Class of 1971.

After high school, Mike was hired by BN (later BNSF Railway) in the track department. He worked as a laborer, machine operator, and switchman for six years, serving on various tie and steel gangs throughout the Pacific Northwest.

In 1977, Mike transferred to the Operating Department as a trainman and worked primarily as a switchman at Yardley Yard in Spokane. In 1990, he transferred again and attended engineer school in Kansas City. For the next 22 years, he drove trains to the Tri-Cities, Wenatchee, Kettle Falls, and Whitefish, Montana. In 1998, Mike also worked throughout Texas, including San Antonio, Temple, Eagle Pass, and Fort Worth, for the railroad.

He was involved in a horrific train wreck in 1991 near Sprague, Washington, when he descended a nine-mile hill without train brakes and crashed at the bottom. The train and locomotives were totaled, but fortunately Mike and his crew walked away. After 14 months of recovery, Mike resumed his engineering career and continued until his retirement in 2013, concluding 41 years of service.

At the same time, Mike pursued a parallel military career. He was drafted in 1972 with lottery number 17 and served two years at Fort Ord, Fort Benning, and Fort Lewis. Mike later served in the Army Reserve and the Washington Air National Guard as a traditional soldier for 21 years, retiring in 1998.

Mike enjoyed huckleberry picking with his wife, Irene, his true love. He also enjoyed fishing and was an avid skier, hitting the slopes twice a week with his lifelong friends Wayne Mason and Hardy Smith. Mike also enjoyed riding motorcycles, beginning with dirt bikes as a teenager and continuing to ride into his late 60s.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; and his beautiful wife, Irene, of 34 years. He is survived by his children, Abby (Steve) Arensmeyer, Todd (Jeanee) Olin, Marcie (Marc) Atkins, and Tina Meyer; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Mike was a member of Vernon Baker #241 American Legion Post, the Evergreen Model Railroad Club, and the Primetime Ski Club (for adults 55 and older) at Mt. Spokane, until he had to give up skiing at age 67 due to COPD.

A service honoring Mike's life will be held at Heritage Funeral & Cremation, 508 N. Government Way, Spokane, WA 99224, on July 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. A brief reception will follow.

Mike loved his family, and they loved him. He will be deeply missed.