Harold Leon Oliver

Harold Leon Oliver was born on February 16, 1932 in Jefferson, Texas to parents Windess Oliver and Pearl Lee McIntosh. He was one of six children, his siblings were named Jimmie Lee, Dorice, George, Willie and Alphonso.

As a teenager, Harold attended and graduated from Central Highschool. Harold later left Texas as a young man and moved to Chicago, from Chicago to Alaska and from Alaska to Seattle. Later, he settled in Portland, Oregon in 1961 where he fathered his children Angela Canel, Doneshia Brown Ayasha Brown, Chekaya Oliver, DeMarcus Mitchell and his wife Araceli.

For over 20 years, Harold was a proud employee throughout the Portland shipyards as a welder.

Those who knew Harold would say, he could make everyone, even a stranger, feel like a family. He was a ‘people person’ and kind to everyone, he was witty, funny, a little sassy and possessed a great sense of humor dishing out jokes a lot with folks. He always had a comeback and one particular saying, “Don’t let that rat have a long tail,” and many others.

Harold was a man of principle, integrity and loyalty. He believed in growth and inspiration. He was nonjudgmental. He believed that anything was attainable, the sky was the limit. “Ain't nothin to it but to do it”. He was a go-getter.

Harold’s grandchildren meant the world to him and he helped raise them all. His home was a second home to all of his grandchildren. Harold’s house was a home and he created an inviting space with his walls adorned with photos and memories of his life’s adventures and loved-ones. It was truly a badge of honor to make it onto the wall at Harold’s place!

Harold was known to be dressed well at any given time. Whether he was casually dressed with his hat to the back or when it was time to be suited, he brought his A-Game, and was dressed to the nines. His dry cleaners knew him well! Harold can be remembered rolling around in his white Cadillac with the custom tags that proudly displayed his Grandson Zion’s name. Harold truly enjoyed going to the casino and having a Hennessey with his friends and spending the evenings playing poker and other games. Often he came home from his casino trips a winner, sharing his wins with those he loved most.

Even with his memory condition, Harold remained pleasant to all of whom he encountered. Even in his moments of illness, he kept his sense of humor and made others laugh. He was warm, and if there was something he could do for someone, he would do it. He cared about his family so much, often arranging in advance for the future and his ability to look ahead and anticipate the many events life can present. He was always thinking of those he loved and how to make their lives worry free.

Harold Leon Oliver passed away on Friday, August 26, 2022 at the age of 90. He is survived by his brother, Alphonso Mask; his children, Angela, Doneshia, Ayasha, Chekaya, Udell, Dorothy and DeMarcus; and his grandchildren, Michael, Angelo, Shawntiana, De’Jauza, D’Anthony, Zion, Victor, Zaryn, Rian, Dondre, Martin, DeMarcus Leon, Mariana and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.batemancarrollfunerals.com for the Oliver family.