Robert Edward “Rob” Olson
October 17, 1964 - February 18, 2008
Robert Edward Olson was born on Oct. 17, 1964 in McBride, British Columbia and raised in Valemount, BC. He graduated from Valemount Secondary School in 1983, and then worked in the shake mill for a few years. He moved to Rainbow Lake and worked for S&J Services for two or three years while he started his family, before moving back to Valemount to work in the sawmill. Rob transferred to the Vavenby/Clearwater area where he raised his four children and worked in the sawmill there until the present time.
Rob’s passion was sports, especially hockey. His favourite team was the Toronto Maple Leafs. He made many bets on the Leafs and — like the team — Rob lost more often than he won. Sometimes, for losing a bet, Rob would have to shave his head. One time, he lost a bet and dyed his hair mustard yellow, before shaving it off to a brush cut. Rob said he could never lose to a woman when it came to football and hockey pools; sorry, but he shaved his head many times for making that statement! Rob was loyal to his teams; once in a blue moon, the Leafs would win and Rob would celebrate. Fortunately, Rob’s kids have had more success with the pools!
Rob was outgoing; he always had a joke to share with others. He was always helping others in any way he could. He was loved and will be remembered with love and sadly missed by his family and friends.
Rob passed away suddenly on February 18, 2008 in Clearwater, BC. He is survived by his sons Dustin and Jaried, daughters Allison and Alicia, his mother Alice Olson, five brothers Ben, Les (Delia), Lester, David, Hans, three sisters Judy (Alan), Phyllis (Jerry), Marla (Paul), mother-in-law Yvonne Bjerkness, the children's mother Elizabeth Olson, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and many friends. Rob was predeceased by his father, Pete Olson, brothers Ron and Eric, and by his father-in-law, Gerald Bjerkness.
A Memorial Service for Robert Olson took place on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008 at the Community Hall in Valemount, BC, with Dee McEachern, Minister, officiating. Funeral arrangements entrusted to North Thompson Funeral Services, Clearwater, BC, 250-674-3030.