PAUL OLSON

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PAUL OLSON It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Paul Olson, aged 92 years, of Gimli, Manitoba at Betel Personal Care Home on December 25, 2010. Remaining to cherish his memory are children Karen, David (Wendy), Robert, and Kris; daughter-in-law Dilly; grandchildren Kai, Kena, Fraser, Liam, and Thea; sisters-in-law Grace Mealy (Ivan) and Gladys Paterson; brother-in-law Alan McLachlan; and brother Ted (Alison). Paul and Ted shared a unique bond and were not only brothers but the best of friends. Paul was predeceased by his beloved wife Margaret, son Kenneth; sisters Olga Anderson, Paulina Luty, Alma Barnell, Jona Benson, Elin Bjarnason, Margaret McLachlan and Mabel Akin; brothers Roy and Edwin; and parents Pall and Margret. Born August 3, 1918 on the family homestead at 63-1st Avenue, Paul was the sixth child, and second son, in a family that would eventually reach 11 children. He was remembered by his older sisters as a fiery, busy, and determined little boy. By the tender age of nine he began learning the family trade, commercial fishing, from his father, Pall Sr. To the dismay of his mother he left school permanently following grade eight to help provide for his family. He demonstrated a quick hand on Lake Winnipeg and was fortunate enough to get a job as a wheelsman on the Goldfield when he was 14. After years of fishing, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941 and received training as an aircraft mechanic in St. Thomas, Ontario. He served in England with the 405 Squadron of the R.C.A.F. between 1942 and 1945 at the Yorkshire airbase. While being honoured at a dinner for returning war veterans in the autumn of 1945 he was introduced to a young teacher who had recently moved to Gimli from Portage la Prairie. Paul and Margaret were engaged on May 13, 1950, amidst roaring flood waters, and married on March 28, 1951. They settled at 82-4th Avenue and began to raise their family, which would eventually include five children. Paul had two passions in life: commercial fishing and his family. He fished three seasons of the year, predominantly for whitefish in the north basin of Lake Winnipeg, for most of his life. As well as being a skilled sea dog, Paul became a respected spokesman for his peers and the Lake Winnipeg fishing industry at large. In 1952 he was a representative on the Royal Commission of Inland Fisheries, and was instrumental in the granting of unemployment insurance to fishermen. He was elected as the first President of the Manitoba Fishermen's Federation and served in this capacity from 1959 to 1962. In recognition of these achievements Paul was awarded the Centennial Medal by Judy Lamarsh, then Health Minister in the Pearson cabinet. In 1966 he created Dockside Fish Products which allowed him to fish and market his product closer to home, and most importantly spend deserved time with his young children and wife. The first year was a struggle, but eventually Dockside began to gain momentum with a burgeoning clientele of locals, urbanites, and cottagers alike. In 1969 Paul and Margaret became agents for the recently created Fresh Water Fish Marketing Board, a federal organization which he had a strong hand in forming. These successes, however, were tempered by the closure of Lake Winnipeg in 1970. Paul then assumed a position with the Department of Indian Affairs, and was assigned to South Indian Lake and God's Lake in 1970 and 1971, respectively. Following the reopening of the lake in 1972 he returned to Gimli to resume his fishing operation. For the next 20 years, he would enjoy a fruitful but ever challenging career on our tempestuous lake. Through Dockside, he became a staple in the local fishing industry and entertained numerous foreign delegations, politicians, and scientists, including David Suzuki. Upon retiring from fishing at the age of 76, Paul remained involved with the industry through his children and daily walks to the harbour. In 2007, he was presented the Manitoba Government's Long Service Award for his 70 year fishing career. An unfailing gentleman, Dad was always there to lend an outstretched hand, or share some piece of advice that might be of help. A man of detail, he built his business on the precepts of integrity, honesty, and quality. Each year he would ensure that Dockside was looking good, the rollers freshly painted, and his truck sparkling clean. In fact, he was known to even wash tour busses while they were parked in the lot, at his own expense of course. Sometimes generous to a fault, Dad did not shy away from helping his friends and family. His house was always open, and with Mom, they were superb hosts. Countless people - whether they were exchange students, air force buddies, or random Icelanders discovered at the dock - were entertained with good conversation and even better food. Dad was the consummate family man. Although he spent long periods of time away from home fishing, his family was extremely important to him. He will forever be remembered for his gentle nature, charming personality, and adventurous spirit. We salute not only a life long lived, but a life well lived. As hard as it is to part, we take solemn comfort knowing that you will be walking hand in hand with mom. At Paul's request cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held. A private graveside service for family members will be held at a later date. A coffee party will be held at the Lakeview Hotel in Gimli on Sunday, July 17, 2011 to celebrate Paul's life. A reminder notice will be published one week prior. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Betel Home, Box 10, Gimli, MB R0C 1B0 or a charity of your choice. From this shore You have sailed away Toward a place We cannot see And cannot touch But we still feel you Every day Within our hearts Where you will stay

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 08, 2011