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Bert Olin was the fourth of nine children, born at Chinook, Washington in 1918. His parents moved from Finland to the Pacific Northwest during WWI. Like the rest of his family, Olin was as passionate about the outdoors, as he was for the fine arts, learning musical traditions from both his father and older brother. In the early 1920’s, the Olin family moved to Oregon, living first in Lost Lake and then in Eugene. Bert was a dare devil, with a particular interest in airplanes. Bert sold the family horse to a glue factory for three dollars, so he could purchase flying lessons, only to discover he was still too short to reach the airplane’s pedals.

During the Great Depression in the 1930’s, Bert worked in a Civilian Conservation Corps camp near Reedsport, Oregon. During WWII Olin declared himself a conscientious objector and was sent to a Civilian Public Service work camp. Olin worked both at fire watch duty and as a smoke jumper at Cascade Locks, Oregon and Missoula, Montana.

In 1946, Bert married Betty Adams and they adopted three children: Laurie, Susan, and Tony. Following their marriage, the Olin family moved to Toledo, Oregon where Bert worked as sub district manager for the Public Utility District. Bert also served as Toledo’s Port Commissioner, establishing the city’s airport and hospital. The Olin family then moved to Eugene where they started the Olin Construction Company. Bert continued to foster his passion for music while in Eugene, pursuing music training at the University of Oregon and working with Eugene High School. Bert participated in musical concerts at KGW radio station and sang with the Eugene orchestra. Olin died of a heart attack in 1974.