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JAMES ALFRED OLSON Obituary pic

JAMES ALFRED OLSON

Born: Oct 13, 1937

Date of Passing: Mar 19, 2023

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JAMES ALFRED OLSON


The time has come to say goodbye to our Hero, who left us on March 19, 2023, at the age of 85 years.
Dad will be remembered always by his wife of 57 years, Jean, daughters, Jeri (Dale), Janelle (Candy), Jennifer (Daniel), grandchildren, Tanner (Gabbi), Olivia, Jace, Cade and Rhett, brothers, Reg (Shirley), Ron (Donna), sister Anne (Joe), sisters-in-law, Derlene and Carmel, brother-in-law Murray and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Margeurite, sisters, Emma (Bill) and Carol, brothers, John and Gary, parents-in-law, Frank and Emma, brothers-in-law, Vern (Marlis), Frank (Lois) and Walter.
Born near Glenora, MB to Henry and Marguerite Olson and was the third of eight children. He arrived on October 13, 1937, weighing in at over 13 lbs (mostly head). His remaining five siblings joined the family in Holmfield, MB, where Dad grew up. In twelfth grade while acting and touring around southwestern Manitoba, Dad discovered the spotlight, honed his sharp wit and sense of humour, that everyone grew to love.
Dad taught school for a year before joining the TD Bank in 1957. This career choice proved to be the best decision, where his co-workers became friends and those friends became family. Dad retired from a successful 47 year career with the TD Bank, filled with friendships that lasted his lifetime.
He transferred about with stops in rural Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. In Estevan, all twitterpated, he met and convinced our mom, the beautiful Jean Buck to be his "Queenie". They married in 1965, bounced through Ontario, Manitoba and finally settled in Winnipeg.
As they moved, their family grew. Mom and Dad had us. The three greatest, smartest, funniest, prettiest daughters a man could ask for. Jeri arrived in Winnipeg (1967), Janelle in Thunder Bay (1970) and Jennifer in Prince Albert (1975). Family was everything to Dad and he never passed up an opportunity to travel: Nature "hikes", camping, Mexico - he beamed with pride, all us girls by his side.
Dad's zest for life, booming personality and giant heart made him the life of the party. Red wine in hand, he knew how to let loose while remaining the force that held everyone together. Part of the Rotary, Kinsmen and Cosmopolitan clubs he was ever engaged, involved and constantly curious. New to the family, the block or the country, this gentle giant would welcome you in. He loved singing to babies and to chat with young people. Seizing every opportunity to snuggle, sing a song, spin a tale or share some worldly "wisdom".
Dad's favourite pastime was sitting on any available bench, then striking up a conversation with anyone that would listen...often to our embarrassment, OR the poor soul he just met. Coming in a close second was travelling. Wherever he went, from Grand Forks to China or Mexico to Europe; if he had Mom or the family with him, he was happy. He soaked up every moment he could spend with Mom, us and his grandchildren.


Thank you for being the BEST dad, husband, and papa.
We will love you forever.
Jeri, Jan, Jennifer, and Jean. 


In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Stars Ambulance or a charity of your choice.
A celebration of Jim's life, will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church, 500 Lagimodiere Blvd., Winnipeg. Those wishing to view this obituary and join the service by livestream may do so by visiting:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2muwKtmCn0
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.klassenfuneralhome.com for the Olson family.


KLASSEN FUNERAL HOME
204-338-0331
This obituary can also be viewed and condolences may be sent to
www.klassenfuneralhome.com

 

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 01, 2023

Condolences & Memories (14 entries)

  • My deepest condolences to you, Jeri, and your family. I only met your dad a few times but I was always struck by how close your family is. I know you will all miss him dearly…..but I know you will find that he is always still there when you need him, just in a different way. - Posted by: Doug McCoy (Old friend of Jeri’s) on: Apr 15, 2023

  • Our Sincere Condolences Jean and Family. Our hearts and prayers are with you. Love, Henri & Cindy Beaulieu - Posted by: Cindy Beaulieu (Cousin) on: Apr 12, 2023

  • We are so saddened to hear of Jim's sudden death. We feel very fortunate chatting with him at Vern’s funeral and yes we can attest to his gift-of-the-gab. He joined us at our table because we share the same last name however are not related. Love and prayers to you Jean and your daughters who composed a wonderful tribute to their Dad. - Posted by: Ron & Pat Olson (Acquaintance) on: Apr 05, 2023

  • I first came to know my big cousin Jimbo at my high school graduation after he presented a scholastic award there. After recognizing my family name in the graduates’ lineup he sought out my parents and me in the crowd and introduced himself. Connecting with Jim and his family thereafter was a huge event for me at this special time in my life. The more our families visited back and forth the more obvious it became that we all had a lot in common and were clearly long lost cousins reunited. At the core of all Jim’s nonsense and humorous ways was a very wise, caring and special person. His influence on our lives was subtle and yet profound in so many ways. Jim will be missed by all who had the unique pleasure of knowing him. To Jean, Jeri, Jan, Jenifer, your partners and your children, we extend our sincerest sympathies on the loss of this truly amazing man, your partner, father and grandfather. - Denise, Jamie, Janine & Elmer - Posted by: Elmer Guest (Cousin and Friend) on: Apr 04, 2023

  • I was sad to hear about Mr. Olson. He was larger than life and as teens, kept us on our toes…..you never knew what outrageous thing he’d say next! 😂 We always felt welcome in the Olson home. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Olson, such a blessing to Jeri’s friends. ❤️ - Posted by: Liane Knoll-Kowk (Friend) on: Apr 02, 2023

  • Jim was the honey to all the bees. I met Jim through Lloyd and Donna Beaver and loved meeting up with him every time I came to Winnipeg. He was a welcoming, loving and funny personality. Jean and his family likely laughed heartily very day. What a wonderful life. Cindy Hynes - Posted by: Cindy Hynes (Friend) on: Apr 02, 2023

  • We are still in disbelief that our dear friend Jim has passed on.. We will always cherish the memories of his friendship and the good times we had over the years. Jean and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.. Lois and Lorne Anderson and family.. - Posted by: Lois and Lorne Anderson (Friends) on: Apr 02, 2023

  • HI I only met Jim & Jean through the Former Kinsmen luncheons held here in Winnipeg pre COVID. He certainly was a engaging gentleman and could hold a room, with his stories. When he was telling stories about how Ted Scoles, Cec Smith and himself with a few other Kinsmen promoted the Kinsmen Winters Carnival in Thompson and here in Winnipeg made the stories so vivid you could almost see the Kinsmen in action. It was a pleasurer to have had the opportunity to meet him and hear about the good work he and Jean did over the years in supporting the community their family and life in general. RIP - Posted by: Jack Wilson (Former Thompson Kinsmen) on: Apr 02, 2023

  • On my wedding day I was walking down the aisle with my parents and Jim grabbed my arm and whispered “Don’t screw this up John boy”. That was Jim. How can you not smile when you think of him? He was a wonderful person. One of a kind. He will be missed. - Posted by: John simes (Friend ) on: Apr 01, 2023

  • I knew and worked with Jim from the early 1980's until the 1990's. while he was the manager at Main and Redwood. It was a great pleasure to work with him and an honour to have known him. He had fun living life. - Posted by: Lawrence Cherrett (business associate and friend) on: Apr 01, 2023

  • We are so sorry for your loss. Doug and his siblings have many fond memories of Jim growing up. May your memories comfort you at this time. Our sincere condolences. Doug and Valerie Bestvater - Posted by: Valerie Bestvater (friend) on: Apr 01, 2023

  • Jim was the only person I know who could make “silly old fart” sound like a loving compliment. I was always so proud to be one of your “long lost cousins”. Memories of your deadpan humour, booming voice, and taste in Halloween costumes will ever bring a smile to my face (and now a twinge to my heart). Words fall very short when it comes to expressing condolences to Jean, Jeri, Jan, and Jennifer (and all their families therein). Jim was one of my favourite people—I hope and visualize that he is in an amazing place, free of pains, and surrounded by all his favourite people who passed before him. We love you Jim—you silly old fart! - Posted by: Linda Guest (Cousin) on: Apr 01, 2023

  • Jim was the only person I know who could make “silly old fart” sound like a loving compliment. I was always so proud to be one of your “long lost cousins”. Memories of your deadpan humour, booming voice, and taste in Halloween costumes will ever bring a smile to my face (and now a twinge to my heart). Words fall very short when it comes to expressing condolences to Jean, Jeri, Jan, and Jennifer (and all their families therein). Jim was one of my favourite people—I hope and visualize that he is in an amazing place, free of pains, and surrounded by all his favourite people who passed before him. We love you Jim—you silly old fart! - Posted by: Linda Guest (Cousin) on: Apr 01, 2023

  • Jim was the only person I know who could make “silly old fart” sound like a loving compliment. I was always so proud to be one of your “long lost cousins”. Memories of your deadpan humour, booming voice, and taste in Halloween costumes will ever bring a smile to my face (and now a twinge to my heart). Words fall very short when it comes to expressing condolences to Jean, Jeri, Jan, and Jennifer (and all their families therein). Jim was one of my favourite people—I hope and visualize that he is in an amazing place, free of pains, and surrounded by all his favourite people who passed before him. We love you Jim—you silly old fart! - Posted by: Linda Guest (Cousin) on: Apr 01, 2023

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