Adrian Oliva

OLIVA - Adrian “Butch” born April 3, 1941 in Far Rockaway, NY., passed away Dec. 29, 2014, in Port Orchard, WA. Son of the late Ellen (Sholtis) Soika. 1960 graduate of Richland High School and was in the U.S. Navy 1960 – 1964 aboard the USS Ticonderoga. Retired Capt. WA St. Ferry System. Captain of the ferry “Spokane” prior to retirement. General Manager of the Bremerton-Kitsap Airporter, Inc. at time of passing. Preceded in death by his son Troy Oliva, and sister, Andrea Rich of PA. Survived by sister, Annette (Chet) Punicki of CO; daughters Wendy (Brad) Spindler of WI, and Heather Oliva of Port Orchard, WA, and grandson, Ensign Jeremy (Kristine) Seteroff, and great-grand daughters, Emma, Dakota and Ava Seteroff of GA, numerous nieces & nephews and ex-wife & friend Peggy (Edd) Currier. Funeral will be held January 9, 2015 at Rill Life Tribute Center, Port Orchard, WA. On-line video tribute available at www.rill.com .


The Story of My Life – Adrian “Butch” Oliva

Words that describe this life: Father figure to 23 foster children; had a great love for children. He had a great sense of humor and loved to joke and make people laugh; always had a smile on his face.

Favorite stories of this life:

One of our fondest memories: He cared for a 2 year old boy who was in the hospital at the same time Butch’s mother was in the hospital recovering from a serious illness. None came to visit the little boy, so Butch spent time with him, carried him around, bought toys and clothes for him.
Some significant accomplishments: Rising through the ranks of the WA St. Ferry System: cabin crew, deck hand, able-bodied seaman, mate to Captain.
Occupation: General Manager Employer: Bremerton-Kitsap Airporter, Inc.
Retirement: 28 years with WA St. Ferry System as Captain
Business Associates: Richard Asche, owner of Bremerton-Kitsap Airporter, Inc. and Rusty Cook, best friend since 1961 while serving on the Ticonderoga.
Favorite Family Activities or special family functions: Camping, fishing,
Personal Activities: Gold Wing Road Riders Chapter WA-B (Chapter Educator). Attending boxing matches with Rusty Cook, casino gaming, cooking and viewing old western movies.
Hobbies: coin collecting, Monfort Western Sculpture collecting.
Favorite Experience in life:
Favorite places to spend time: Our 40-acre property we names “Scalp Level’ in Tonasket, WA. Scalp Level was the name of a town near where Butch grew up in central PA. Visiting family in CO, PA and MD. Every Saturday having breakfast with Rusty Cook at the All Star Lanes in Silverdale, WA.
Favorite poem or scripture: This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. John 17, 3 . (This was the Memory Verse that Butch had to learn in the Hungarian language for this Confirmation in the Hungarian Reformed Church, Windber, PA. Confirmed on August 16, 1953.
Favorite song or music: Elvis
Favorite Flower: Yellow rose.
Favorite color: Blue
Favorite sayings: “The toast is buttered on the wrong side.” “You printed it upside down.” When asked how do you like your food? He’d reply “Good enough to eat.”
Pets: Cooper the cat.
Other thoughts: When he got out of the Navy, he told his wife “I don’t care where I work as long as it’s NOT near the water.” Every time he went fishing with Rusty, he got sea sick.