CARL JONAS OLSON

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CARL JONAS OLSON On March 9, 2009, Carl Jonas Olson, beloved husband of Gene Stratton-Porter Olson, passed away peacefully at Victoria General Hospital in Winnipeg. Carl was born in Saltcoats, Saskatchewan, on January 10, 1919, the third child of the Rev. Carl J. Olson (1884-1951) and Olöf Sveinfridur (Freda) Sveinsson (1890-1925). His childhood and youth were spent in Saltcoats, Lancer, Weyburn, and Wynyard, Saskatchewan; Brandon and Winnipeg, Manitoba; and Seattle, Washington. Carl graduated from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate in Winnipeg. In December 1941, he enlisted in the RCNVR as a seaman, training in Toronto and Halifax on HMCS York and HMCS Cornwallis. He was sent overseas in October 1942 on HMCS Baddeck, serving in the Mediterranean and North African campaign (November 1942 -March 1943), the North Atlantic (April 1943 -March 1944), and in the English Channel, France, Belgium, and Holland (April 1944 - May 1945). He was discharged on October 10, 1945. Upon returning to Winnipeg, Carl attended the University of Manitoba (where he later, in the 1960s, resumed his studies). He then began a 40 year career at Moore Business Forms, finally retiring at the age of 70. After retiring, Carl continued his studies at the University of Winnipeg, taking seniors' classes in religion, literature, history, and political studies. In addition to his parents, Carl was predeceased by his sister Katrin Margaret Olson (1914 - 1986) and his brother, Gisli Robert Olson (1922 - 2000). He is survived by his wife, Gene; his sister Ingibjorg Lillian Lane of Brockville, Ontario; and his daughters and their families. Carl was a quiet, gentle person with a passion for poetry, books, and learning. He will be remembered with love and thankfulness. Sunset and evening star, And one clear call for me! And may there be no moaning of the bar, When I put out to sea. Cremation has taken place. Carl's ashes will be interred in the Gimli Cemetery on the old family farm at Loni Beach. 843 Sherbrook Street, 774-7474 Condolences: www.bardal.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 14, 2009