Olivier was born in South San Francisco, the youngest of five children of French immigrants.
He served in World War II as a cryptographer for the Army Air Force and was stationed
in England. Returning home he earned a B.S. in political science from Santa Clara University,
received teacher training from San Jose State University and became a junior high teacher
in South San Francisco. He earned his M.A. in Education at San Francisco State University,
and served as an administrator and assistant superintendent with the South San Francisco
Unified School District.

In 1952 he married Gloria Muncey of San Mateo. Favorite family outings with their three
daughters and son included trips to California beaches. Olivier was a life-long educator
who enjoyed working with people and enriching their lives.

Gloria Fourie and her family’s vision for a fitting memorial is a natural sciences library.
Their support makes possible the Dunes Center Research Library.

The Olivier Fourie Research Library commemorates Olivier’s love of the beaches of
California and his love of learning. With the development of this resource center, researchers
and visitors of all ages can learn more about the wonders of this magnificent natural
environment and the importance of preserving it.