Oscar Dabney Oliphant

Sept 28, 1920 - Dec 23, 2020

Oscar Dabney Oliphant ( Odie) September 28, 1920 to December 23, 2020 On Wednesday December 23, 2020, Oscar left our world peacefully in his sleep. Born in Sonoma California to Ellic Larkin Oliphant and Frances Pauline Emerick Oliphant. The accomplishments of this man were outstanding. From his humble life during the depression living in the back of a truck with his father, mother, brothers and sister, selling produce to survive - to becoming a Naval Aviator at the age of 21. He was stationed at Gordon Field in Atlanta, Georgia as a Lieutenant Flight Instructor, when he met and married his sweetheart Mary Louise Adams on September 28, 1943. In 1947 Odie joined Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company as a trainee in Southern California, straight from leaving the Navy, and 37 years later retired in 1984 as a Vice Chairman of Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company in San Francisco, CA. Odie was always planning and thinking on ways to do things better and was a mentor to many. He was tough as nails and pushed you to the fullest you can be, but down under he was a gentle giant under those steel blue eyes. He was a competitor all the way, but family was of upmost important to him. Vacations were geared around being outdoors and traveling around in the Motorhome to places along the coast, to the desert, and to Lake Oroville for waterskiing. Golf was his hobby and he was always giving tips on how to improve your game in the middle of the round, even if you did not ask for the help. He played his last round of golf at the age of 96 on his home course at Marin Country Club in Novato, CA. He and Mary loved life and lived a great one. During their retirement years, Odie and Mary traveled the country, played golf, and spent their winters at their home in Borrego Springs, CA - at Rams Hill Country Club. Odie was predeceased by his brother Alexander Frank ( Joe) Oliphant, Sister Jane Oliphant Lund, Brother Donald Oliphant and his wife Mary Louise Oliphant. Odie is survived by his Daughter Judy Oliphant, Daughter Gail Ullrich and her husband Chris Ullrich and Granddaughter Ashley Ullrich.

In memory of the man who was always planning and thinking, this poem that was found on his desk after his passing, written by Mary Elizabeth Frye.

Do not stand on my grave and weep

I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am a diamond glint on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning hush

I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circling flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry;

I am not there. not die.

I do