Obituary: Donald E. Olen Jr.

Donald E. Olen Jr.

FALMOUTH – Donald E. Olen Jr., 69, passed away on Aug. 9, 2026, in Portland, surrounded by the love of his family. Don was born on Oct. 6, 1956, in Portland, the son of Marion (Phillips) and Donald E. Olen Sr.

Don graduated from Falmouth High School in 1975, where he was a standout basketball player. He went on to complete a postgraduate year at Maine Central Institute, continuing his basketball career, before graduating from the University of Southern Maine, where he also played basketball. It was during these years that he met the love of his life, Cheryl. The two shared 46 years of marriage and a lifetime of adventures.

For 41 years, Don worked in sales at Earle W. Noyes and Sons, United Van Lines. He helped thousands of families through their moves, approaching his work with the same care, warmth, and personal attention that defined every part of his life. Don had an extraordinary ability to connect with people, and many who began as customers, coworkers, teammates, or acquaintances quickly became lifelong friends.

Above all else, Don loved his family. Some of his happiest moments were spent on the sidelines watching his children and grandchildren play sports. He was always there cheering them on, supporting them, and inevitably getting to know the other families around him. Don had a way of making people feel welcomed and cared for, and he treated his children’s and grandchildren’s friends and families as his own.

Generous, outgoing, thoughtful, and fiercely protective of the people he loved, Don was a friend to all. If someone needed help, he was often the first to show up, willing to drop whatever he was doing. He looked for the good in everyone and rarely met a stranger. He loved sharing stories, especially of his remarkable adventures.

Travel was one of Don’s great passions. Together, Don and Cheryl visited all seven continents, with Don often hunting or fishing while Cheryl was nearby capturing their adventures through her photographs. He treasured fishing trips with his father, his son, and his friends, traveling to destinations around the world.

Of all the places Don traveled, however, one of his favorites was much closer to home: the family camp in the western Maine mountains. Camp was his place for family, friendship, and solitude. He loved being on the ponds, hiking and hunting, spending time with his friends, and simply enjoying the quiet of the mountains.

Though his life ended far too soon, Don filled his years with enough love, friendship, and adventure for many lifetimes. He leaves behind countless stories, cherished memories, and a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

Don was predeceased by his father, Donald E. Olen Sr.; and his sister, Elizabeth Cook.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Cheryl (Parker) Olen; his mother, Marion Olen; his children, Ashley and her husband, Abel Wright, and Parker and his wife, Jenna Olen; his grandchildren, Blake, Eleanor, Marlowe, Cooper, Quincy, Emery, and Alice; his niece, Emily Parker; and many beloved extended family members and dear friends.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the care team at the Marshall L. and Susan Gibson Pavilion for Medical Oncology at Maine Medical Center for the compassionate care they provided to Don and his family.

A funeral service will be celebrated on Monday, Aug. 24, at 11 a.m., at Falmouth Congregational Church, 267 Falmouth Rd., Falmouth. A celebration of life will follow.

To view Don’s memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit ConroyTullyWalker.com.

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