John Oscar Olson
May 7, 1943 - August 11, 2013
John was born May 7th, 1943 in Nelson, BC and passed away at home, with his loving wife at his side on August 11th, 2013. John was predeceased by his parents Fred and Esther Olson. He is survived by his loving wife Dale, stepdaughter Nancy (Harry) Vandermeer of Edmonton, and grandchildren Joel and Rachel Vandermeer, and stepson Dan Brock of Nelson, his brothers Fred (Pat) Olson of Vancouver and Eric Olson of Nelson, sisters Anne (Jack) Nelson of Cranbrook and Eleanor (Allan) Schmidt of Nelson, nicecs and nephews Steven Schmidt, Debbie Schmidt, Sharon Kamel, Kristen (Jon) Duquette, Selena (Steve Vogel), Craig (Shanna) Nelson, Jeannette Wright (Don McGhie) as well as numerous great nieces and great nephews, sisters in law Diane Toth or Port Hardy, Sheryl (George) Law of Whitehorse, brothers in law Daryl (June) Fry of Barbados and Dal (Kerry) Fry of North Bay.
John grew up in Nelson, attending Central School, Trafalgar, graduating from LVR High School in 1961. He spent a year at Covenant Bible College in Prince Albert, then went on to start his teacher training at Trinity Western in Langley completing the last two years at Notre Dame University in Nelson.
His first three wonderful years of teaching, were at a little school in Proctor. He then moved to Central School where he taught for 30 years except for a brief move to Trafalgar. John loved being a teacher and poured himself into his job. He was passionate about sports and coached many school teams.
John took early retirement to care for his ailing mother, but on the first day of his retirement she passed away.
John loved the Lord and was for years involved in the Covenant Church, working with kids groups and Covenant Camps. The last 12 years he was part of the leadership team of the Bridge Christian Community. John had a pastors heart and was deeply involved in healing prayer for hurting hearts.
John was diligent about everything he did. He loved hockey and coached every game on TV from his recliner. He was also an avid curler and enjoyed that as long as his health allowed. John loved growing things, especially roses. He loved animals and always had his beloved dogs by his side. In his early years he raised chickens, turkeys, geese and rabbits. He often incubated and hatched baby chicks in his classroom for his students.
John and Dale were married on May 7th, 2005, and spent 8 wonderful years, enjoying each other, the roses, home, pets, their friends and church fellowship. They spent holidays in Edmonton and Port Hardy, and last fall had a glorious holiday in the Maritimes, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.
John was compassionate, gentle, kind, loving and generous. He had a special place in his heart for his nieces and nephews and his grandkids.
We Love You John
A Memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 20th, 2013 at 11:00am at the Covenant Church, 702 Stanley Street.
As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to The Kootenay Romanian Relief Organization Canada, Box 652 Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 5R4.
Online condolences may be expressed at
www.thompsonfs.ca
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of
Thompson Funeral Service Ltd.