DENNIS L. OLISCHEFSKI

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DENNIS L. OLISCHEFSKI Dennis L. Olischefski passed away Saturday, April 12, 2003, surrounded by his family. Born June 18, 1941 in Deloraine, MB to Carolyn (Dolly) and David Olischefski of Goodllands. A year later moved to Waskada. Attended Waskada School. Left home at 16 to pursue a career in jewellery business. Graduated from Manitoba Technical Institute, Winnipeg, completing watch repair course. Married childhood sweetheart Dorothy Young in 1960. Residing in Waskada and briefly opening a shop in his fathers building. Dr. Bonar convinced him to move to Deloraine - the town needed a jeweller / hockey player / ball player. Moved store in fall of 1960 and family in 1962. Two children were born, Deidrie in 1962 and Derrin in 1965. Dens Jewellers Ltd. was owned and operated in Deloraine for 38 years. Dennis was a board member of the Manitoba Jewellers Association. A graduate of the Canadian Jewellers Association and the Gemological Institute of America. His craftsmanship and artistic skills drew clients from near and far. The Deloraine property was sold in 1998. A small studio operation continued in Killarney, MB. Den spent many hours working in his community - finding a way to get projects done. Skating rink - ball diamond - golf course. He lead by example. Working on a 10 acre golf course expansion with son Derrin was thrilling. Seeing all the hard work pay off. The Deloraine Royals hockey team was started by Dennis - his leadership and motivation memorable to all who played with the big captain. Coaching came naturally to Den. Doing so in minor hockey system. Capping that off by coaching the first s.w. Cougars AAA Midget team to a great season and a win at the Knights of Columbus tournament in Brandon. He helped bring s.w. baseball back to Deloraine playing first base and usually batting cleanup. Golf was really his great sports love. Over the years he won many tournaments. But as a senior player, he did very well at the provincial level. Winning a spot in the provincial team to go to the nationals was a big highlight. A provincial title with daughter Dee was very special. His last title was Rural Senior Amature Champ and he was planning on defending. Survived and sadly missed by wife Dorothy; daughter Dee of Winnipeg; son Derrin and wife Kelly and two grandsons, Ryan and Dietrich of California; sisters, Lucille Bell and husband Gerry, Sharon Lunding and husband Per of Swan River.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 08, 2003