Gary Juel Edward Olson
July 18, 1959 – April 30, 2020
In loving memory of Gary Juel Edward Olson who passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 30, 2020 in the Dryden Regional Health Centre, Dryden, Ontario, at the age of 60 years.
Gary was born on July 18, 1959 to Juel and Doreen Olson.
Gary will be sadly missed by his loving and devoted wife Cindi Latimer, children Becky (Nick) Fediuk of Dryden, Aaron (Raelene) Olson of Thunder Bay, and Analyssa, Steffen and Timothy Van Haesendonck, of Dryden; adored grandchildren Brandon, Nolan, McKenna and Luca Fediuk, Jacob, Caitlyn and Mary Olson, and Benny and Lucy Van Haesendonck; mother Doreen Olson of Dryden, sisters Debbie (John) Sheppard of Pangman, SK, Cathy (Doug) Bullock of Dryden, and Lisa (Lorrie) Kerekes of Toronto, ON; brothers-in-law Gary (Rhonda) Latimer of Nova Scotia, Todd (Kim) Powassin of Windigo Island, Kevin (Friela) of Red Deer, AB, Ron Latimer of Saskatoon, SK; sisters-in-law Maureen Powassin of Windigo Island, Ella (Timothy) Barkman of Sachigo Lake, Wilma Latimer of Oxdrift, as well as aunts, uncles and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Gary was predeceased by his father Juel Olson, and brother-in-law Donald Latimer.
At 18, Gary was thrilled to follow in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps by joining the Dryden Mill where he worked for 40 years. He retired from Domtar in 2017 at 58 years of age.
Gary enjoyed camping, fishing, singing, playing his violin, writing and spending time with his grandchildren. He generously crafted wool hats and scarves as welcomed gifts for many. He had an inherent love of nature and animals – Bengal cats in particular – and Mystique misses him terribly.
Gary was passionate, quick-witted, and his corny sense of humour keeps us laughing still. He sometimes entertained as an Elvis impersonator yet his worshipful hymns ministered to so many souls.
Gary also had an artistic, creative side and a warm Christian heart. In 2011 he wrote:
As I see it
You are given two eyes: one to keep on the past
and one to keep on the present so you can see the future.
You are given two arms: one to hold your family and loved ones close
and the other to keep the world at arm’s length.
You are given two feet: one to climb to loftier heights
and the other to stomp on snakes.
So your body is more than what you think it is.
Use it to the best of your ability and rise to the next level in life.
When you’re old you can look back and say,
“I have fought the good fight and have come out ahead and am better for it!”
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8
A Memorial Service to Celebrate the Life of Gary Olson will be held at a future date.
If friends so desire, contributions in memoriam may be made to the Dryden Food Bank or to a charity of your choice through Stevens Funeral Homes, PO Box 412, Dryden ON P8N 2Z1, (807) 223-6601
