Mr. James Alfred Olson

Dad will be remembered always by his wife of 57 years, Jean, daughters Jeri (Dale), Janelle (Candy), Jennifer (Daniel), grandchildren Tanner (Gabbi), Olivia, Jace, Cade and Rhett, brothers Reg (Shirley), Ron (Donna), sister Anne (Joe), sisters-in-law Derlene and Carmel, brother-in-law Murray and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents, Henry and Margeurite, sisters Emma (Bill) and Carol, brothers John and Gary, parents-in-law Frank and Emma, brothers-in-law Vern (Marlis), Frank (Lois) and Walter.

Born near Glenora, MB to Henry and Marguerite Olson and was the third of eight children. He arrived on October 13, 1937, weighing in at over 13 lbs (mostly head). His remaining 5 siblings joined the family in Holmfield, MB, where dad grew up. In twelfth grade while acting and touring around southwestern Manitoba, Dad discovered the spotlight, honed his sharp wit and sense of humour, that everyone grew to love.

Dad taught school for a year before joining the TD Bank in 1957. This career choice proved to be the best decision, where his coworkers became friends and those friends became family. Dad retired from a successful 47 year career with the TD bank, filled with friendships that lasted his lifetime.

He transferred about with stops in rural Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. In Estevan, all twitterpated, he met and convinced our mom, the beautiful Jean Buck to be his “Queenie”. They married in 1965, bounced through Ontario, Manitoba and finally settled in Winnipeg.

As they moved, their family grew. Mom and Dad had us. The three greatest, smartest, funniest, prettiest daughters a man could ask for. Jeri arrived in Winnipeg (1967), Janelle in Thunder Bay (1970) and Jennifer in Prince Albert (1975). Family was everything to Dad and he never passed up an opportunity to travel: Nature “hikes”, camping, Mexico – he beamed with pride, all us girls by his side.

Dad’s zest for life, booming personality and giant heart made him the life of the party. Red wine in hand, he knew how to let loose while remaining the force that held everyone together. Part of the Rotary, Kinsmen and Cosmopolitan clubs he was ever engaged, involved and constantly curious. New to the family, the block or the country, this gentle giant would welcome you in. He loved singing to babies and to chat with young people. Seizing every opportunity to snuggle, sing a song, spin a tale or share some worldly “wisdom”.

Dad’s favorite pastime was sitting on any available bench, then striking up a conversation with anyone that would listen...often to our embarrassment, OR the poor soul he just met. Coming in a close second was travelling. Wherever he went, from Grand Forks to China or Mexico to Europe; if he had Mom or the family with him, he was happy. He soaked up every moment he could spend with mom, us and his grandchildren.

Thank you for being the BEST dad, husband, and papa. We will love you forever.

Jeri, Jan, Jennifer, and Jean.

In Lieu of Flowers, donations can be made to Stars Ambulance or a charity of your choice.

A celebration of Jim’s life, will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church, 500 Lagimodiere Blvd, Winnipeg.