Robert Edward Olley

April 16, 1933 – October 3, 2022

With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Professor Emeritus Bob Olley, age 89, formerly of Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON (30 years) and Saskatoon, SK (30 years). Bob is survived by his wife of over 65 years and partner in life’s adventure, Shirley (nee Dahl). He was inordinately proud of his four children, Elizabeth (Yvan), Steven (Amy), Susan (Dieter), and Maureen (Jim), and 10 “perfect” grandchildren: Justine and Joseph Fallu; Vivian and Sydney Olley; Alex (Constanza), Ryan, Jeremy, and Elena Gamm; and Adam and Michael Konowalchuk.

Bob was born in Verdun, QC, to Elizabeth and Henry Olley. In 1936, as part of a resettlement program, his family was moved to a small farm outside of Rouyn in Northern Quebec. Bob and his brother, Norman, didn’t attend formal school until grade 8. Bob graduated from Noranda High School in 1950 and began to pursue further education in 1956 at Carleton University. Encouraged by professors who recognized his potential, Bob went on to Queen’s University where he completed a Masters (1962) and Ph.D. (1969) in Economics. In 1963, he began teaching at the University of Saskatchewan and became a full professor by 1974. In the summer of 1970, Bob went to Quebec for the summer to do research for Bell Canada, beginning a long working relationship with Bell. He was an internationally respected Economist, and the author of more than 150 books, papers, reports, and other publications. Bob earned many accolades for his volunteer work, including Her Majesty the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal, the Canadian Standards Association Award of Merit, and the Standards Council of Canada Jean P. Carriere Award. The R.E. Olley Award for Teaching Excellence continues to be awarded in his name each year by the Economics Students Society at the University of Saskatchewan. Bob recently established the R.E. Olley Graduate Award in the Department of Economics at Queen’s University.

Bob was a life-long learner and avid reader. He and his beloved wife, Shirley, travelled the world. His endless curiosity and thirst for knowledge led to many laughs, adventures, and personal and professional achievements.

A private family memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Carleton University, Queen’s University, or the University of Saskatchewan.

Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kanejerrettnorthyork.ca for the Olley family.