Everett Oylear

Once upon a time (You know it�s gonna be a long story, huh?) there were three of us in a place called England Air Force Base Louisiana. There were Roger Fisher and I (Roger Gillilan), and the boss, MSgt Everett Oylear. Roger Fisher and I were two young airmen fresh out of Air Force Maintenance Analysis Tech School. We were Gill and Roger. We called him (Sergeant Oylear) by his first name, Sergeant! Besides all the management crap he had to put up with, he was stuck with two airmen to train. Still, he treated us equally as human beings. Now I couldn�t tell you any specific techniques he taught me but one principle I did learn from him was to treat everyone the same. If one failed to meet the criteria for a special privilege, then it was the boss�s job to show that one what was required and teach one how to obtain that privilege. I have always fondly remembered how we would work to be all caught up by Friday in the Louisiana springtime. That was crappie season. When those fish started biting he was ready, and one Friday afternoon he would take Roger Fisher to the lake and the next Friday afternoon he would take me. I don�t know about Roger Fisher, but being stuck alone in a staff office taught me more about how to deal with management and customers than all the training I received during all my time in the Air Force. And, those afternoons on the lake during crappie season taught me how important it is to just get away from it all sometimes and enjoy God�s green earth. He had a knack of getting to know people and perceiving the extent of their ability and capability. He always expected the best that Roger and I could do. Some people perceive that as perfectionism. I saw it and learned to expect from others, and myself, all that we are capable of and not just do what was �good enough�.

Life goes on. He made SMSgt (E8) and retired not too long after in 1969. I went on to SMSgt also and retired from active duty after more than two decades. I was out nearly 6 months then went back to Air Force civil service and retired at the end of 2009 at grade GS-12. Louisiana was a long time ago now but his lessons served me well.

Lynda, Doug, Dwight, David, Kathy and families, We wanted so badly to come out to the coast last summer for a retirement trip but some big things got in the way. It was great to talk with Ole on the 5th of January. We talked more than an hour and I promised to see him this summer. Sharon and I talked with him once in 1980. I talked to him again when I was on a business trip to Spokane sometime in the 1990s. We couldn�t meet because time was short and the passes were closed with snow. In Christmas notes and the times we talked, he seemed so happy and proud of you all. We still plan to make it out that way, but there is a big hole in our plans and our hearts. Sharon and I want you to know that we are thinking of you and that there is a purpose to every life. Obviously, at least you all and we were his purpose.

May God bless and be with you,

Roger and Sharon Gillilan

GOD ONLY TAKES THE BEST
Gods loving arms enfolded you
with tender loving care,
He saw that you were suffering
as you laid in silence there,
He said the time has come
for you to take a rest,
He held you in his arms and said,
I ONLY TAKE THE BEST. GOD BLESS YOU xxx

Within the Lord's arms, You were taken into Heaven above. Sleeping peacefully with the Angels above In silver clouds Were your with Jesus every day In your Heavenly home. Resting peacefully,watching us You send a Gentle Breeze,upon us. God Bless you special Angel
Love to your family x