WILLY OLAES

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WILLY OLAES It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Willy Kulog Olaes, at age 51, on March 3, 2011. He is survived by his wife Celia, his mother Felipa, his children Debby, Ronalyn, Joshua, and Krystle, his siblings Gudeng, Jesus, Eder (Pete), Godo (Mina), Ayette (Cesar), Ebet (Danny), Melinda (Glen), Myla (Joey), Linda (Henry), Nato (Edith), Erning (Tessie), Toto (Anna), and Monching (Nene). He is predeceased by his father Teofilo Olaes, his brother Mario, his mother-in-law Elisa Reyes, his sister-in-law Nelia Olaes, and his nephew Christian. Willy touched many people's lives. He is the foundation of a very large and strong family, as well as a large circle of friends. He came to Winnipeg at the young age of 20 from Imus, Cavite, Philippines. From the year he arrived in Canada till his last day here with us, he has kept both his family and friends near, seeing most of them on a weekly, if not daily basis. He's lived in Winnipeg and worked for Carte International for the last 31 years of his life. His circle of friends became both his co-workers and the godfathers to his children. He enjoyed everything from early morning fishing trips, regular basketball games, and weekend gatherings with family. Willy was a passionate basketball player, he played his whole life. He started playing with his brothers in the Philippines, taught his children, nieces and nephews how to play, and continued to play with friends in Filipino leagues over the last 31 years. His basketball has lead him to travel throughout North America always leading his team to a championship and taking home many MVP accolades back to his family in Winnipeg. He tried his best to never miss any of his children's or nieces and nephews games. He was always there to cheer them on, and coach them to push harder and be better. Outside of basketball his other favourite pastime was fishing. He fished most weeknights, and weekends ensuring that family and friends all got a taste of the fresh fish that he caught and cooked. Although he was passionate about basketball and fishing, these pastimes could not compare to how much he loved his family. Willy played a big role in his family's life. He made sure to be the role model that he wanted his children to follow. He was the husband, father and man of the house who took on any challenge that was thrown at his family. He was a big brother willing to help play a second father to his nieces and nephews, and the son who respected and cared for his mother. He always taught everyone to put your family first; to drop everything if a family member is in need. Outside of family he believed in helping anyone in need. Willy will be missed by many. He has left a big void to fill in all our hearts. The family will be holding a viewing on March 10 and 11 from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. at the Glen Eden Funeral Home, 4477 Main Street. Mass of Christian Burial to be held on Saturday, March 12 at St. Peter's Church at 1:00 p.m. followed by the burial and reception at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens, 4477 Main Street. Glen Eden Funeral Home 338-7111 www.gleneden-mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 08, 2011