Dennis Olson, Olie, Dad, Papa, Uncle Biggie died peacefully July 29, 2021 at Pinecrest Home for the Aged.

 

Dad was born in Kenora in November 1934 to Bert and Esther  Olson and had four brothers and one beloved sister. He talked often and until the end, of his cherished memories of growing up in Lakeside alongside his siblings and his best friend Buddy Malmo.

 

Dad moved to Thunder Bay at the young age of 17 to pursue the game of hockey and due to hard work and talent enjoyed much success in a variety of leagues throughout Canada and the United States. He was always humble about his success but in speaking to his teammates and friends over the years we came to understand what a talented player he was. A highlight was seeing his name inscribed on the Calder Cup Trophy at the Hockey Hall of Fame, winning the Cup three consecutive years, a feat no team has repeated.  

 

In 1957 he married Doreen Nordin and together they had two daughters, Susan and Sandra. Family became his main focus so he decided to hang up his skates in 1965 and move home to the place he loved most. He worked for many years as the Molson representative for NWO and thoroughly enjoyed that time of his life.

 

Lake of the Woods was his boyhood playground but once introduced to Dryberry Lake he knew he found his piece of paradise. It was here mom and dad built their family cabin and he spent many decades guiding, fishing, hunting and making precious memories with his family and large, cherished extended family.

 

Dad had a wry and witty sense of humour. He was known for his jokes and one liners and he could entertain any room. But those who really knew dad knew him as a quiet and unassuming outdoorsman. His happiest days were spent in the boat with our mom, a fishing rod in one hand and a beer in the other. Dad passed that love of the great outdoors to us and we in turn are doing our part to make sure his grandchildren and great grandchildren cherish the lake and nature as much as he did.

 

While dad leaves many to mourn his passing here on earth, at 86 years young we know that the many who went ahead are waiting to welcome him home and this brings us much peace.

 

Immediate cremation followed dad’s passing and a private wake in his honour was held, with burial of his ashes to occur at a later date.

 

We wish to sincerely thank Dr. Shannon Wiebe and all the staff at the Keewatin Medical Group for their ongoing care. Dad spent the last eight months of his life at Pinecrest where he was treated with kindness and dignity by Mike Limerick and the hard working and dedicated staff of Unit 2.  We thank each and every one of you for all you did for our father.

 

In lieu of flowers we ask you kindly donate to The Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation.

 

Rest easy Pa. You’re finally home.