Paul W. Ollila, 58.

RUTLAND Paul W. Ollila of Rutland died Monday at Saint Vincent Hospital after a long illness bravely borne. He was 58.

The only son of Marjorie P. and the late Leo W. Ollila, he was born in Worcester on August 15, 1949. He graduated from Wachusett Regional High School in 1967, and then earned a BA in Fine Arts from the University of Rochester in 1972. He went on to earn a Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1984. His thesis involved mapping the Santanoni Quadrangle in the Northern Adirondacks with his loyal Airedale terrier, Moses.

Mr. Ollila's career was varied. He taught at Vassar College, worked in environmental consulting and was a contractor for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection doing evaluation of site remediation. He was active in his field, presenting at professional conferences, and has published articles on geologic and geo chemical topics. His volunteer activities included serving on the Board of Directors at the Touchstone Community School and Luvak Laboratories. He loved bringing snacks for the University of Massachusetts Equestrian team. He was a member of the Appalachian Mountain club and the Adirondack Mountain Club.

Paul was known to many as "Tree", for his height and quiet nature. He was known for his keen intelligence and his dry wit. He enjoyed nature and the out of doors. He took his family on geologic tours: camping, exploring and finding cousins during cross country road trips. Tree loved hiking, canoeing, cross country skiing and biking. He began fly fishing as a child with his father. He delighted in taking his dogs for a run after work. He was widely read and enjoyed all kinds of films and music.

He is survived by his mother, Marjorie (Peck) Ollila; his daughter, Annie D. Ollila; his son, Thomas A. Ollila with fiancee Abygail Wright; their mother and his friend Penelope J. Dillon; his twin sisters, Sandra E. Morrison and Susan A. Ollila, extended family members, many friends and his dogs.

A memorial service for Paul will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 29th, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. Burial will be private in Woodlawn Cemetery, Princeton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the American Cancer Society or the charity of one's choice.

www.milesfuneralhome.com

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