CLIFFORD CARROLL OLSEN

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

CLIFFORD CARROLL OLSEN It is with the deepest of sorrow that we announce the passing of Clifford Carroll Olsen on Monday, August 16, 2004 at Pine Falls Hospital. With his family and dearest friends at his side Cliff gently left us to hold the hand of his beloved daughter Karen. Cliff leaves behind to mourn his passing but to also celebrate his life, his wife and soul mate Joanne; his daughter Wendy and her husband Rodney; his son Keith and his wife Catherine; and his beloved grandchildren: Ryan, Teri, Cori, Kaleigh, Alexander and Ashley; along with his brothers, Donald and Thomas. Along with his family, Clifford leaves a multitude of fond memories to his many good friends who played such a special part in his life. Clifford was born in Starbuck, MB and moved to Winnipeg in his teens where he graduated from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate. Shortly after high school he found employment for the City of Winnipeg and as fate would have it is here that he met his true love, Joanne with whom he would share such a wonderful and full life. In 1956 he started his 37-year career as an employee of Manitoba Hydro, which found him relocating to beautiful Great Falls, MB a town that he soon fell in love with. This change allowed him to meet his wonderful group of life long friends "The Bunk House Boys". In 1958 he married Joanne and a year later became a proud father. In 1963 Cliff and Joanne suffered the worst hardship that parents can experience with the loss of their youngest daughter Karen to pneumonia. Clifford stayed with his little angel never leaving her side until the end. Despite this tragedy Clifford remained a loving, caring person and a devoted father. He gave Wendy and Keith the most wonderful childhood that one could ask for. In 1967 Cliff and family moved up to Grand Rapids where he was able to enjoy many of his favourite activities including fishing, snowmobiling, camping, and curling. In 1972 the move was on again this time to Winnipeg and then on to St. Andrews in 1976. It was in 1981 that fate would bring him back to Great Falls when the opportunity to buy a beautiful piece of land soon led to the building of the "House the Love Built". Over the next several years Cliff and Joanne together painstakingly built their dream house which became the source of much pride and enjoyment for the entire family. After retiring in 1993 Cliff became a gifted craftsman beautifully creating countless pieces of woodwork. The most cherished of which are the toys that he crafted for his grandchildren that have brought them such happiness. These treasures will certainly be passed down for generations to come. Retirement also allowed Cliff to pursue some of his other favourite pastimes including visiting with family and friends, golfing, and travel. Cliff will be missed by all who knew him for his remarkable sense of humour, kindness, his compassion, and his gentle soul. Cliff and Karens souls flew off into the evening on the wings of two beautiful eagles and Great Falls was graced with the most glorious of rainbows that has ever shone in the sky. Special thanks the wonderful nurses at Pine Falls Hospital, your care and compassion for both Cliff and his family. It was truly appreciated. A casual dress memorial will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 27 at the Community hall in Great Falls, MB. Ties are not welcome! Miss me but let me go When I come to the end of the road And the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom filled room Why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little, but not too long And not with your head bowed low Remember the love that we once shared Miss me but let me go. For this is a journey we all must take And each must go alone, Its part of the master plan A step on the road to home. So when you are lonely and sick at heart Go to the friends we know, And bury your sorrows in doing deeds Miss me...but let me go. In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation in Cliffords memory to CancerCare of Manitoba. THOMSON FUNERAL HOME 669 Broadway 1-877-230-0438

Make a donation to

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 22, 2004