GERALD HERMAN OLMSTEAD

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GERALD HERMAN OLMSTEAD

April 8, 1933 – August 14, 2025

Gerald Herman Olmstead passed away peacefully at the Carberry Personal Care Home on August 14, 2025, at the age of 92.

Gerald leaves to mourn his beloved wife of 67 years, Beverley; son Trent and wife Candis, children Nathan (Monica), Tanner, and Michaela; son Kevin and wife Dallis, their children Rileigh, Gavin, and Garrett; and daughter-in-law Karen and her children Bryce (Nikki), Travis (Hailey), and Teanna (Evan). He was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Copper and one more on the way. Gerald is survived by his sister Phyllis (Ron Calvert); in-laws Gary and Shirley Johnson, and Betty Johnson (Kenny).

He was predeceased by his parents, Olive and Herman Olmstead; his parents-in-law, Ernest and Geraldine Johnson; and his beloved son, Myles Olmstead.

Gerald was born on the family farm in the Gregg district on April 8, 1933. The family farmed there until 1948, when plans were made to move to town due to Herman’s declining health. Sadly, Herman passed away suddenly before the move, but Olive and the children carried on with the relocation as planned.

At a young age, Gerald took on significant responsibility. With the help of Willis Steen, he managed to put in the crop from age 14 to 17. He left school in Grade 11 to return to the farm full-time and run the family operation.

On October 12, 1957, Gerald married Beverley Johnson. Together, they farmed until their retirement in 1985, after which they moved into town. Retirement didn’t keep Gerald out of the field for long—he continued helping on his sons’ farms, especially during seeding and harvest, enjoying any time spent running tractors.

Gerald and Bev cherished summers camping with their boys in Minnedosa and, in later years, traveling together to places like Victoria, Texas, Hawaii, and to Expo '86 in Vancouver.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Gerald took a keen interest in whatever his family was involved in—on or off the farm—whether it was curling, hockey, baseball, or other pursuits. He was deeply proud of everyone’s accomplishments.

Off the farm, Gerald enjoyed golf, bowling, and curling. He was active in many local organizations over the years. He served as caretaker of the rinks in Gregg and Carberry, was a lifelong member of the Carberry Elks—where he once served as Exalted Ruler—and was involved in the local Drop-In Centre, where he managed the books for many years.

Gerald’s connection to 4-H ran deep. A former 4-H Beef Club member himself, he later served as a club leader and took pride in seeing 4-H become a multi-generational interest in his family. He also sponsored a class in the 4-H Achievement program in the Olmstead family name.

A mild-mannered and generous man, Gerald was always ready for a chat—whether uptown or with the guys at the store—and was ever willing to lend a helping hand to neighbours, whether during harvest or in daily life. He was devoted to Beverley and always happy to take her wherever she wanted to go. Many will still hear his familiar words echo fondly in their memories: “Oh, Beverley.”

Gerald’s quiet strength, kind spirit, and deep love for his family and community will be dearly missed.

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 23, 2025