Carl William Geist Jr., 87

Carl William Geist Jr. departed this life peacefully at his home on Wollochet Bay on April 14, 2026. He was 87 years old.

Carl was born on October 8, 1938, in Portland, Oregon, to Carl William Geist Sr. and Margaret Liddle Geist. He grew up in Portland alongside his younger brother, John K. Geist, with whom he shared a close friendship throughout life. His parents were married for 53 years, setting an early example of commitment, family, and devotion.

Carl graduated from Wilson High School in Portland before continuing his education at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Math and Science in 1959. He went on to Stanford University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1961, and later received his MBA from the University of Chicago in 1963. He was also a proud member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. Carl married Judy Lathrop on December 19, 1961.

After a brief time with IBM, Carl began a distinguished career with Weyerhaeuser Paper Company, where he served as an executive in the paper and forest products industry for more than 36 years, from 1966 until his retirement in 2002. His career reflected many of the qualities that defined him: intelligence, discipline, innovation, leadership, and a deep respect for people and hard work.

In 1971, Carl moved from Lakewood to Gig Harbor, Washington, when it was still a small town. He loved the natural beauty, character, and charm of the community and became an active member of the Gig Harbor Planning Commission, working to help preserve the area’s unique identity and minimize over-commercialization. His love for his home on Wollochet Bay was unmistakable. He was protective of the water, shoreline preservation, and the peaceful life it represented, and those who knew him may fondly remember him patrolling boaters and skiers by megaphone from his waterfront home.

Carl married Sally Olmstead on March 20, 1984, and together they built a life filled with family, friends and meaningful connection. Carl and Sally also enjoyed spending winters in La Quinta, California, where they played golf, entertained and continued traveling internationally. Many of those travels were enriched by friendships Carl had formed during his years with Weyerhaeuser, a testament to the lasting relationships he built throughout his life and career.

Carl loved deeply, gave generously, and left a legacy of strength, wisdom, and devotion that will continue through the lives of those who knew and loved him.

Carl is survived by his son, Mark Geist and his wife, Clare; his daughter, Carolyn Glass and her husband, Scot; his son, Kent Olmstead and his wife, Kathy; and five beloved grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 3, at Canterwood Golf Club.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests remembrance donations be made in Carl’s memory to Mary Bridge Children’s Foundation or the Harbor History Museum.