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ALBERT HELMER OLSON  Obituary pic

ALBERT HELMER OLSON

Born: Jul 31, 1930

Date of Passing: Aug 10, 2014

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ALBERT HELMER OLSON It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our loving husband, father and grandfather at the Grace Hospital on Sunday, August 10, 2014, at the age of 84. Left to mourn Albert are his wife Hazel (his best friend for the past 59 years); their three children Mark (Leslie), Brenda (Chris) and Diane (Allan); and grandchildren: Kevin, Laura, Alana, Ryan and Connor. Also left to mourn are his brother Stanley, his sisters Dolly, Thelma and Irene, family and extended family members and his many, many friends. Albert is predeceased by his parents Jens and Astrid Olson, his brother Elwood, and his grandson Drew, who lost his life in a traffic accident in 2006 at the age of 17 and will always be in our thoughts. Albert was born in Inwood, Manitoba, on July 31, 1930. He left home at age 15 to work for Ontario Hydro, creating a new hydro development on Lake Superior. He then took up an apprenticeship in plastering in 1948 and, in 1953, started his own plastering and stucco company. Albert went on to a very successful career in home building, land development and other related projects. Albert was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge #145, the Optimist Club of Assiniboia, the Assiniboine Memorial Curling Club and Breezy Bend Golf and Country Club, where he golfed with the same group for many, many years. Albert was also an accomplished curler: he was a three time Canadian Men's Senior Curling Champion and was inducted into both the Manitoba and Canadian Curling Hall of Fame. Albert was a true optimist who was warm, positive and had a real gift for making everyone around him feel special. He was a great talker who loved to laugh and put smiles on the faces of everyone he met. Albert could often be heard saying "there's no way life could be better..." which was fitting because that is the way he lived his life to the end. He was a great believer in the power of positive thinking and the forces of the universe working together and always said that is what made him successful. Albert will be greatly missed by his family, his friends and by the many people he touched. A celebration of Albert's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 15, at Grant Memorial Baptist Church, 877 Wilkes Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of one's choice. For those who can't make it to the celebration and would like to share a story or add a comment about Albert, they can go to "Albert H. Olson Memories" on Facebook or visit the following link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ 915762561772323/
Publish Date: Aug 13, 2014

ALBERT HELMER OLSON On Sunday, August 10, 2014, Albert died at the Grace Hospital at the age of 84 years. Funeral Arrangements and a longer obituary notice will follow. Wojcik's Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204-897-4665, in care of arrangements. wojciksfuneralchapel.com
Publish Date: Aug 12, 2014

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 13, 2014

Condolences & Memories (57 entries)

  • We just read about Albert's death in the Metro One and will always have the memory of phone calls with jokes a plenty and his kindness. Heaven will be brighter that is for sure with Albert there to liven things up. - Posted by: Rudy & Susan Kempin (friend and best taper in the world as per Albert) on: Jan 07, 2015

  • Dear Hazel, Mark, Leslie and all of the Olson family. We just heard of Albert's passing and we are so very sorry for your loss. No one can think of Albert without it bringing a smile to your face. He will be surely missed. Our deepest condolences. Maretta & Doug Emery - Posted by: Maretta & Doug Emery (Friend) on: Aug 30, 2014

  • To the Olson Family our condolences go out to you all. My Dad, Fred Rehberg worked for Albert for many years, and my dad always thought the world of Albert. He was kind hearted and so good to my Dad and my Mom. After Dad passed away, my Mom often brought Hazel and Albert baking. In losing my Dad, I know that the memories become so vital and important. Don't keep them to yourselves, share them, and the love you had for Albert will get you through the tough times. My mom sends her love to you all, Berta Rehberg. - Posted by: Sue Rehberg-Reid (Friend) on: Aug 25, 2014

  • To the Olson family My deepest sympathy in the passing of your husband, father Albert. He always had a ready smile and a laugh that you could not soon forget. His positive outlook was ever present and infective. There was no mold to be broken. He was one of a kind. Kathleen King Olson - Posted by: Kathleen King Olson (friend of Brenda's) on: Aug 19, 2014

  • To the Olson Family. Please accept our sincere condolences with the passing of Albert. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Albert was a great man, accomplished an incredible amount in his lifetime and we know that he will be missed. We enjoyed and have fond memories of our many conversations with him over the years. - Posted by: Bob and Karen Scales (Family friend) on: Aug 19, 2014

  • I am so devastated to hear that Albert has passed away. I knew him for about 29 years and adored him. Of course he always made a point of flattering me...I mean everyone!!! He was kind, considerate and thoughtful. I can't count how many times he would stop at our office and ask a question and then hand us $50.00 to put in our "lunch jar". Order pizza on me he would say. "Life is good, what more do I need - I have the most wonderful wife and family!!" His children meant everything to him and he always had such high praise for them. Hazel, I am thinking of you. I just returned on the weekend from holidays and just found out at work today. He always put a smile on my face. I will sure miss him and his jokes. Rest in peace my friend. - Posted by: Mary Richardson (Friend) on: Aug 18, 2014

  • Hazel & family - Deepest sympathies to you, Hazel, and to your family. I know you will miss Albert so much. I am so sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Marlene Parnell () on: Aug 18, 2014

  • To all the Olson family: We are thinking of you at this difficult time. Hopefully all your happy memories of Albert will sustain you and make life a little easier in the days to come. He lived life to the fullest and would not want you to be sad. Donna and Barry Land - Posted by: Donna and Barry Land (friends) on: Aug 16, 2014

  • Dear Brenda, Chris and family, I new your dad before I met you when we moved on to Optimist Way. He would come to my office at Dominion Lumber monthly to pay the bill for the construction costs of the development and he always expected a cup of coffee on the house, and conversation which was lively and usually great fun. Our daughter worked at Breezy in the coffee shop and always came home with stories about him and he always treated her well with the same humour and encouraging advice. We know how much he will be missed by you and by the community. Please accept our deepest sympathy and condolences at this very hard time. We hope you find peace and comfort from that community now and as time passes. I know my brother Kenny Aquin would want to express his sympathy to you and Mark as well. - Posted by: Monique Graboski and family (Neighbours) on: Aug 16, 2014

  • RIP Albert. Yes Albert. I am still married to that same old guy.We will miss seeing you at the coffee shop. Our sincere sympathy to you Hazel, Brenda and the whole family. - Posted by: Allen and Elda Havard (Friend(Tim Horton's Corner Gas Group)) on: Aug 15, 2014

  • My condolences to the family, it was always enjoyable listening to his stories and jokes. He will be deeply missed by myself and the community. - Posted by: David Nichols (Friend/Optimist Member) on: Aug 15, 2014

  • My sincere condolence to the Olson Family. I have many fond memories as a child growing up on Parkhill and all the fun our families had together. Albert always had the biggest smile and laugh. - Posted by: Darlene McDonald (Johnson) (old neighbour) on: Aug 15, 2014

  • Hazel and Brenda - Sorry about the loss of your husband and father. Our thoughts are with you at this time. - Posted by: Ron and Charlene Wall. (Tim Hortons coffee corner group) on: Aug 15, 2014

  • Mark & Leslie. Our deepest sympathy to you in your loss. Your dad was a great man. Treasure all your wonderful memories as they do last a lifetime. Thinking of you during this sad time. - Posted by: Lois & Brian Fowler (friend) on: Aug 15, 2014

  • Albert always had a sparkle in his eye that made you like him. As a young boy at Breezy Bend he always made me feel special. My condolences to Mrs. Olson, Mark and all of Albert's family and close friends. He was an original. - Posted by: Greg Nordman+ (Friend) on: Aug 15, 2014

  • Dear Hazel and Family Our sincere sympathy on the passing of Albert. He was a wonderful, upbeat, people person and will be missed by so many. Our thoughts are with you and your family. - Posted by: Mike and Lynne Martin (Optimist and Optimrs Club) on: Aug 15, 2014

  • We are all truly sorry at Albert's passing. Words cannot ease the grief, but time will heal. Albert would join our group once a year and add a spark to the day. He would complement one of my shots by saying,"That was the best five iron I have seen all year!" - Posted by: Rick and Sonia Graboski (Member at Breezy Bend Country. Club) on: Aug 15, 2014

  • I have been a member at Breezy for 12 years, and had the wonderful knowledge of knowing Albert was a friend. He would always brighten up my day and others' when encountered. He will be missed around the club because he was a big part of the glue that has kept the club going. I am responding this way because my wife and I are currently on Vancouver Island, and Vancouver. Albert was a legend in many ways, I found that out by just asking him. What a great life. Albert I will miss you dear friend, may you rest in pease. Ted Foreman - Posted by: Ted Foreman (Friend) on: Aug 15, 2014

  • Hazel, Mark & Lesley, Brenda & Diane. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Albert was a very charismatic individual who always made his presence felt when at the Assiniboine Curling Club. One of the "characters of the game". A big supporter of Mark's curling endeavours and a good player in his own right. Also a big supporter of Junior Curling through his affiliation with the Optimist Club of Assiniboia and the Optimist Bonspiel that was held at AMCC for a number of years. He will be truly missed. - Posted by: Greg Blanchard (Friend) on: Aug 14, 2014

  • As a charter member of Breezy Bend I have known Albert for a long time, when he entered this world they must have thrown away the mold, he was truly a wonderful person. I knew Albert as an avid golfer and he tackled the game with the enthusiasm he put into everything. My heartfelt prayers go out to the whole family. - Posted by: Cec Durnin (Long time friend through golf and the love of Clear Lake.) on: Aug 14, 2014

  • To the Olson family. I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Darlene Chubaty () on: Aug 14, 2014

  • If everyone had Albert's principles and convictions what a different world we would have. Thank you for all your caring Albert. God Bless you my friend. ---Claire I will remember your caring, friendship and laughter. "By love they are remembered, and in memory they will live". Forever in my heart and thoughts. ---Mary - Posted by: Claire Poniski & Mary MacMillan (Friends) on: Aug 14, 2014

  • Albert took such joy in everything he did but most importantly his family. As soon as you met him, he treated you as a friend and you were welcomed into his life with his sense of humor. Condolences to Mark and Leslie and the Olson family. - Posted by: Patricia Blanchard (Co-worker with Mark) on: Aug 14, 2014

  • To The Olson Family "Gratitude is the heart's memory", J.B. Massieu. When I think of Albert I will remember a man young at heart and playful in spirit. Thanks for the wonderful memories. - Posted by: Kenda Ibbetson (Friend) on: Aug 14, 2014

  • Heaven will be filled with jokes and laughter with Albert there. Rip Albert - Posted by: Janet Jones (Friend of Mark) on: Aug 14, 2014

  • A one of a “KIND” man. He always brought a ray of sunshine to whatever path he walked. My sincere condolences to all the Olson family. Brian Kemp. - Posted by: Brian Kemp (Friend) on: Aug 14, 2014

  • I recall golfing in some team event at Breezy with Albert, over many years I had the pleasure of being in his foursome maybe a dozen times? I have fond memories of many of those occasions, and I must say his humor was infectious, many a laugh shared, and boy he could give it as well as take a ribbing. A fine gentleman, and all who knew him even casually no doubt would remember the day spent on the links. He was like an institution at the Bend, a professor emeritus of good time golfing, and he will truly be missed by many! - Posted by: Scott Lougheed (Friend) on: Aug 14, 2014

  • So sorry to hear of your loss Hazel and family. Our deepest sympathy go out to all of the family. Albert was a wonderful person and inspired us all with his personality. Our thoughts will always be with you. Sincerely Gerry and Raisa Davies - Posted by: Gerry & Raisa Davies (friend) on: Aug 14, 2014

  • Albert Olson was a man of great integrity, compassion for all the people he came in contact with each and every day. He will be sadly missed by all the members at breezy bend, Assiniboine memorial and the optimist club of Assiniboia. He loved his family, his friends and enjoyed life to the fullest every day. The hall of fame in heaven will enjoy Albert Olson. - Posted by: Don and Barb Duguid (Friends) on: Aug 14, 2014

  • The Olson family have always been very special. When I think of Albert I remember a strong, positive, joking, charitable, family man. I remember the time he took to be a job reference and find me a summer job as a young man. I also remember a waffle/pancake/ ice cream breakfast on Dec 26th and many curling events. Mark has been a GREAT friend to me and my condolences are sent to the family. - Posted by: Mike Friesen (Friend) on: Aug 14, 2014

  • I met Albert almost 30 years ago since then my life has been enriched from knowing Albert. He would come into our office and brighten anyone's day. He always had a good story to tell and say he felt lucky to know you but actually we were the lucky ones. Over the years I got to know Albert and his family and enjoyed many conversations him, Hazel, Mark and Brenda. Albert had a way to make you feel special and for that I want to thank you. My sincere condolences to the Olson family. - Posted by: Lynne McGibney (Friend of the family) on: Aug 14, 2014

  • It is not the same not having Mr. Olson walk past my living room window on his Sturgeon Creek walk on a daily basis...umbrella in hand ..with a wave..walking out to chat with him..hearing him say...I have to get going Hazel will wonder what is wrong...A more true gentleman cannot be found. Our son and his grandson curled together at Assiniboine.. Cherished and treasured memories - Posted by: Bev and Brent Mackie (friend) on: Aug 14, 2014

  • Albert was a real comical guy and always had a smile on his face. I am sorry to hear of your loss. God Bless - Posted by: Violet Barker (Friend) on: Aug 13, 2014

  • Quite simply Albert was the kindest warmest person I have had the pleasure to know. He will be dearly missed by the "Hoovens" and all members at Breezy Bend. - Posted by: David Kazina (Friend) on: Aug 13, 2014

  • Albert has been a patient at our dental clinic for many years. He was such a character and you always knew when he was in the office. He had a way to make everyone laugh and the ladies blush. He will certainly be missed. Condolences to Mark, Leslie and family. - Posted by: mark buettner and staff (dentist) on: Aug 13, 2014

  • Our thoughts and prayers are with your whole family. It was always a ray of sunshine when we would see Albert and share a laugh. He made the world a better place. Deepest sympathies, Kathie and John Allardyce - Posted by: John Allardyce (friend) on: Aug 13, 2014

  • Sorry to hear of your father's passing Mark. Thinking of you at this time Mark - Posted by: Mark Petursson (Friend of Mark's) on: Aug 13, 2014

  • Albert, Albert, Albert, all the Ladies would say. Then smile at the man who made them blush. A man who made all of us, Men and Ladies, happy to see his smiling face and hear his flattery. A man who will be sorely missed by one and all. Truly a man who enjoyed his lot in life. Thank you, Albert for allowing Gwen and I to know you and Hazel. Our lives have been greatly enriched to have known such a happy and dedicated couple. Goodbye Albert and God bless. - Posted by: Wayne & Gwen Shorten (Friend) on: Aug 13, 2014

  • I am sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you all. - Posted by: Wendy Cowley () on: Aug 13, 2014

  • We left Winnipeg on Aug. 2, but shortly before that I saw Albert and Hazel in their yard and stopped for a short chat. I did not know Albert well, but he was a man of many and varied accomplishments and no doubt will be sadly missed. Our condolences. Alvin and Carole Giesbrecht. Sherwood Park. AB - Posted by: Carole and Alvin Giesbrecht (friendGiesbrechtFriend) on: Aug 13, 2014

  • I was very sad to hear of Albert's passing. I have known him through his daughter Brenda for close to 40 years. He was always so friendly and positive with a smile on his face every time I saw him. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: Diane Grollé (Daughter's friend) on: Aug 13, 2014

  • Hazel, I just read of Albert's passing and am so very sorry. He was a real character and will always remember his laugh. I am now living on Van. Isl. in Port McNeill, married my childhood sweetheart, so don't hear much from here, but saw his obit. yesterday. Will be thinking of you and family on Friday. Take care Hazel, it's hard now, but in time it will get softer. much love Averill Petrie - Posted by: Averill Petrie (friend) on: Aug 13, 2014

  • I knew of Albert when I was a child. He worked on many homes in our area with his stucco on our older homes. I bought one of his lots on Optimist Way and from there we became close friends and especially when his kids moved on the block close to me. We were like family. He was always there to lend a hand, give a smile, offer a huge hug! You will be dearly missed by so many Albert. - Posted by: Cindy Leishman-Nicholls (Friend) on: Aug 13, 2014

  • Albert was always so kind to me and my family. One of the many happy memories I have of Albert is when he built my house on Optimist Way. He did so with much personal care. He looked after every detail to ensure we had a beautiful home. After it was built Albert would come by on a regular basis and check and turn the teleposts in our basement when required. He said it was part of his "customer service" and that it would only cost us a cup of coffee to get this personalized service. I will always remember Albert's kindness, his constant smile and the joy that he always carried with him and shared with everyone he came in contact with. Thank you Albert for caring so much. My sincere condolences to Hazel and the entire Olson family on your loss. - Posted by: Joel Gagne (Family Friend) on: Aug 13, 2014

  • Our deepest sympathy to your family. We have many happy memories curling at the old Assiniboine rink, and the good times celebrating our wins or losses after the game. We have lost touch with the family since moving from Westwood, but still think of you as good friends. - Posted by: Carl and Edie Simonson (Friends) on: Aug 13, 2014

  • I had the pleasure of knowing Albert some years ago. A memorable man. He always made me laugh, such a geniune person. My condolences to his family, the world is a lesser place without him. - Posted by: Jeannette Franks (acquaintance) on: Aug 13, 2014

  • Albert was truly one of a kind. He was never without a compliment or words to make someone smile. He is going to be sadly missed by all who knew him. Marion Strick, A friend from Inwood - Posted by: Marion Strick (Friend) on: Aug 13, 2014

  • We are so sorry to hear of Albert's passing. It is so true that he always made you feel so special. Each encounter with him was uplifting. Albert will be sorely missed in our community. Sincerely The Lindals. - Posted by: Marguerite and Bud Lindal (Friend) on: Aug 13, 2014

  • He was my best coffee buddy. It was always an adventure when we went out for coffee. He was known by so many. People would always be waving, saying hi and coming up and shaking his hand. Some of the serving staff would even come and give him a hug. He had such a good outlook on life and other people were attracted to that. There was a lot to learn from Albert and he was happy to share his life experiences. Going out for coffe wouldn't be the same and I will miss his upbeat attitude and caring personality. - Posted by: Murray (Neighbour) on: Aug 13, 2014

  • I have very fond memories of Albert both through Masonic ties, and also through the cottage in Sandy Hook. I think of Albert often when I pass the cottage and will miss his cheery disposition. He could always make the Peggie girls smile. I am very sorry for your loss, he will be missed by many. Lisa - Posted by: Lisa Churchward (nee Peggie) (friend) on: Aug 13, 2014

  • Thanks Albert, for the memories of your quick wit, broad smile and infectious laughter! You will be missed by all those fortunate to have met you. - Posted by: Rick Barker (Friend) on: Aug 13, 2014

  • Albert will be very much missed and never forgotten. So sorry for your loss Brian and Geri Shippam - Posted by: Brian and Geri shippam (Friend) on: Aug 13, 2014

  • Albert was an icon in the building and property development world. Receiving an award for his involvement and implementation of an upscale housing development by using the guidelines set forth by the Manitoba Home Protection Program. Once presented with the guidelines he ran with it, hence his well earned award. You could show up feeling your worst and Albert would instantly boost your self esteem with very flattering remarks that never got him in trouble. If Albert couldn't make you smile, no one could. His family will keep his creativeness alive for many years to come. Our sincere condolences to Mark, Leslie and family. I feel your loss and share your sorrow. Joy Buettner - Posted by: joy Buettner (co worker of son Mark) on: Aug 13, 2014

  • Our deepest condolences to the Olson family. We will surely miss Albert's humour and kindness. - Posted by: Norberto/Linnea Redublo (co-member/) on: Aug 12, 2014

  • We will miss Albert. He was always smiling and always had something wonderful to say. Our condolences to the Olson Family. - Posted by: Catherine & Klaus Leiendecker (Friend) on: Aug 12, 2014

  • Albert, Breezy Bend will never be the same without you. Knowing you made my life that much richer, your positive attitude, humor, and impeccable laugh will be forever silent and missed. To the Olsen family our thoughts are with you. Geoff and Susan Walker - Posted by: Geooff Walker (Friend) on: Aug 12, 2014

  • We will miss him, his humour, his friendship and his big heart. - Posted by: Ed and Pat Guest (Friend) on: Aug 12, 2014

Wojcik’s All Beliefs & Faiths Funeral Chapel (Portage Avenue)

Wojcik’s All Beliefs & Faiths Funeral Chapel (Portage Avenue)

2157 Portage Avenue at Sharp Boulevard (Map)
Ph: 2048974665 | Visit Website

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