Olmsted, whose family owned Argus, dies at 82

Stephen Clay Olmsted Jr., whose family owned the Argus-Courier for 65 years, died on July 23 in Cotati. He was 82.|

Stephen Clay Olmsted Jr., whose family owned the Argus-Courier for 65 years, died on July 23 in Cotati. He was 82.

A fourth generation Petaluman, Olmsted was born in 1934 to two parents of pioneering Sonoma County families. In 1952, he graduated from Petaluma High School and went on to receive a degree in printing engineering at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

After college, Olmsted enlisted in the US Army and spent six years serving his country.

From an early age, he worked for his family’s newspaper. Brothers Stephen and Clay Olmsted bought the Petaluma Argus in 1900 and later merged it with the Petaluma Courier in 1928. Stephen Clay Olmsted Jr.’s father worked as production manager for the Argus-Courier.

Stephen Clay Olmsted Jr. would go on to open his own printing company, House of Printing, which he operated for many years. Following his career in printing, he became a real estate broker and owned and operated Olmsted Realty.

Throughout his life, he was an active member of the Rotary Club of Petaluma, Petaluma Lodge B.P.O. Elks and Petaluma-Hamilton. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing cards and hunting. He was also owner of Lone Tree Gun Club.

For 45 years, he was married to wife Charlotte Olmsted. He is survived by children Lynn Olmsted, Kathleen Hale, Christian Mertens, Carol Drysdale, Vicky Crayne and Steve Olmsted, nine grand children and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held July 29 at 1 p.m. at Parent-Sorensen Mortuary, 850 Keokuk St. Memorial contributions can be made to your favorite charity.

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