Adalsteinn Olafsson

Adalsteinn Sigurbjorn Olafsson (Alli), age 74, of Vandalia, MI passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and children on July 20, 2016. Alli was born in Keflavik, Iceland on March 14, 1942. He was the youngest of four brothers. He attended high school in Reykjavik and Akureyri, Iceland. In 1962, he began working for the Icelandic Bank of Commerce, where he was employed until 1975. During that time, he married Margret Agustsdottir in 1963, and had three children. They had been married for 53 years when he passed. Alli attended the University of Iceland in Reykjavik and in 1976 moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan to further his studies. In 1977, the entire family moved to Kalamazoo. He completed his studies in biochemistry at Western Michigan University in 1979 and shortly thereafter began working at the Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company. His career at Upjohn spanned many corporate changes at the company and he retired from Pfizer in 2000. Reading and crossword puzzles were his main hobbies. He was an avid sportsman in his youth and adolescence; and he both played and coached soccer for many years. Spending time with his kids and grandchildren brought him his greatest joy. Whether it was just sitting in their company, observing them engaged in thier myriad of activities or having lively discussion with them, he relished this time. He was available for everyone. Prince or pauper were treated with the same kindness and respect and everyone left his company a better person. The last few years of his life were spent in Vandalia, Michigan. He and his wife, moved to the country to be closer to family. There he made new friends and worked part time at Tri-Pac Inc., and as an alternate on a Penn Township review committee. He loved being around animals and made daily treks surrounded by the farm dogs, to the pastures to feed the horses apples, he bought especially for them. Alli was a blessing to all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Margret; son, Oli Olafsson (Barbara); two daughters, Bjargey Adalsteinsdottir (Thorsteinn Gudjonsson), Anna Olafsson; three brothers, and nine grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and cousins. We will be celebrating his life during an Open House on Wednesday, July 27, at his residence at 17397 Black Street, Vandalia, Michigan, 49095. 5-9 PM. All are welcome.