Alan ‘Ollie’ Bolman, of Venice, Fla., died suddenly at home on the morning of Aug. 31.
Born in Jamestown, N.Y. in 1944, and raised both in Manhattan and Monhegan Island, Ollie was schooled in Harrison, N.Y. and graduated from Thomas College with a degree in business administration, years later.
Ollie served several tours in Vietnam running a Swift Boat on the DeNang River, part of his Navy enlistment, and later worked for twenty years as a helmsman for Sea River, the maritime division of Exxon Corporation as a merchant marine.
With Monhegan Island as his first love, it was fitting that he met Eileen Rutledge there, and they married at Lobster Cove in a ceremony the island celebrated together, to the tune of “Wind Beneath My Wings.” Ollie’s marriage to Eileen was permanent, and loving and miraculous… to this day.
In addition to a residence in Venice, Fla., Ollie and Eileen lived near the water in Gloucester, Mass. during the summer, where they captained and worked on a tour boat, “The King Eider.”
The salt water, the rocky coast and living on it or near it was essential to Ollie. He loved everything it represented and the life it supported. He carried with him the essence of the sea – the stories, the voice, the love – wherever he went.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Eileen Bolman; and sister, Daphne Stern of Bristol.
A memorial celebration of Ollie’s life will be planned for a later date.
Arrangements are being taken care of by Farley’s Funeral Home in Venice, Fla.
