Oltman

Oltman

John Ray Oltman, 78, of Beaver Creek, Colo., died on Sept. 6, 2023. He was born April 3, 1945, to Ervin and Ida Oltman in Mt. Olive, Ill.

He attended elementary and high school in Mt. Olive, excelling both academically and athletically. He graduated from the University of Illinois, earning a bachelor's degree in mathematics and continued his education at Northwestern University Kellogg School of Business, where he earned his MBA. John worked for Bell Laboratories for a year before accepting a position with Arthur Anderson, where he became partner in 1983, and managing partner for Information Systems Integration in 1988. He left the firm in 1992 to accept a position as chief executive officer at SHL Systemhouse. With insightful leadership, he transformed the company and eventually sold it to MCI. He was proud to mentor a talented group of individuals throughout the process. After the sale of SHL, John started his own consulting firm, which he managed for over 20 years.

He met his wife Jan in Chicago when he was still heavily involved with SHL Systemhouse and Jan was a tennis pro at the East Bank Club. In those early days, they frequently traveled to many wonderful worldwide destinations. Jan often had a unique view of the flight when she crawled around the floor to search for John's trademark Montblanc pen, which he was never without. Possessed of a brilliant intellect, John often jotted down notes whenever inspiration struck. He once purchased a restaurant tablecloth after he discovered the notes he had written were on linen and not paper.

John was a charter member of the Beaver Creek Resort in Beaver Creek, Colo. In 1999, he and Jan were married at their present home in Beaver Creek, a majestic mountain retreat designed by John, nestled at the foot of a ski run. They shared a passion for each other as well as many sports and activities, including skiing, tennis, golf and hiking.

Through the years, John and Jan were owned by a series of beloved Labrador Retrievers, Buck, Harley, and Monty, who were in charge of everything. John loved visits from his amazing group of friends and family, which gave him an opportunity to share his home and his many stories in beautiful Colorado. Over the years he cherished those memories.

He is survived by his wife Jan; his cousin, JoAnn Gay, her daughter Justine Adden and her husband Ross; his Godson, Josh Clevenger; and his Goddaughter, Sarah Goldacker.

Anyone wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at beckerandson.com.