May 16, 2024
In loving memory ~
Robert Roy Olsen of Bashaw, known by everyone as Roy, passed away on May 16th at the age of 81 with his children by his side. He is predeceased by his parents Bruce and Helen Olsen, infant son Brent, and grandson Eric. He will be remembered by his son Patrick and grandson Kevin in Calgary, and daughter Christina in Vancouver; siblings Maureen (Cam) Laing in Kingston ON, Greg (Barb) Olsen in Campbell River BC, and Val (Barry) Huber in Pritchard/Kelowna BC; nieces and nephews Alana (Daymond) Gauthier, Heather (Brad) Laing, Claire Olsen, Greer (MacKenzie) Olsen, Jared (Shayne) Huber, Colleen (Shane) Sondermann; and many grand nieces and nephews; as well as extended family on the Olsen and Lloyd sides.
Roy spent his early childhood in Warspite and later moved to Bashaw when his father became train station agent there (later town manager; his mother was town nurse). As an adult, Roy was married to Karen Carlyle for 15 years and lived in Edmonton where they raised their two kids. He had a 45-year career in the accounts department of Canadian Freightways and spent many evenings and weekends with various sports - as a long-time Edmonton Eskimo season ticket holder, an amateur baseball umpire, and an adherent of a weekly golfing and merriment ritual with his buddies. He was also fond of road trips and got out hunting and fishing whenever he could, especially to the special spot at Buffalo Lake.
Roy had a few sides to him. He could be stubborn, impatient, opinionated, brazen, and abrupt. He was also intelligent, curious, loyal, resourceful, grateful, hilarious, and fun. Many will mostly remember him as an outgoing, irreverent, and cheeky character. We all have plenty of stories on how all of it played out throughout his life.
Massive thanks to Roy's long-time friends Mert Hameister and Ivan Gramlich who have gone far above and beyond what is expected in friendship and are true testament to loyalty and generosity. Deep gratitude to Greg and Barb for always having our backs. Huge thanks also to all of the Carlyles for their ongoing support in all things. Special thanks to the staff of Bashaw Meadows, Home Care, and St. Mary's hospital in Camrose - your tremendous and important work makes all the difference. Roy also appreciated his fellow lodge residents and those who ran the local businesses and services he frequented. Thanks to everyone who made Bashaw a good place for Roy to return to in his last years - he truly enjoyed living there.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local public library or bird habitat conservation organization. Or just enjoy a pickled egg, one of Roy's "Special Coffees" (instant coffee and sambuca), or some quiet time watching birds at your favourite lake.
Full obituary at: www.womboldfuneralhomes.com/obituary/RobertRoy-Olsen
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