Olga Bura

Olga was born on June 20th 1939 in Stuartburn, Manitoba, to her loving parents, Mafty and Maria. She grew up in Middlebro, Manitoba, alongside her older brother, Dmytro, in a time of hardship, yet their parents worked tirelessly to provide for their family.

From an early age, Olga displayed a bright, spirited, and adventurous nature. Those who knew her as a child fondly remember her as a little firecracker—full of energy, determination, and fearlessness. She maintained lifelong friendships with many of her childhood friends, a testament to her warmth and loyalty.

One of Olga’s earliest joys was riding her beloved British bicycle. She quickly mastered it and could often be seen exploring everywhere on two wheels. Later, her brother Dmytro acquired an American bicycle, which proved difficult to pedal. Never one to settle, he modified it by attaching a motor, transforming it into a bona fide motorcycle. It wasn’t long before Olga, ever eager to embrace new experiences, learned to ride it as well. Much to Dmytro’s amusement (and occasional frustration), his motorcycle would frequently go missing—though he always knew exactly who had taken it for a ride!

A Life Filled with Music and Passion

Music was Olga’s greatest passion. From a young age, she fell in love with it, and when a neighbor, Fred Pohl, gifted her an accordion, she was determined to learn—despite having no teacher. With perseverance and natural talent, she taught herself to play, and it became a lifelong source of joy.

For years, she carried her accordion everywhere, always eager to entertain with her music. Eventually, she mastered multiple instruments, including the piano, violin, guitar, and bass guitar. Whether at home or while traveling, she delighted in playing whatever instrument was available, bringing warmth and happiness to those around her. Even in her final days, she continued to practice the piano, undeterred by the pain in her hands. Her love for music never faded.

A Determined Spirit

At the age of 14, Olga took on an unusual responsibility—bottle-feeding a litter of piglets after their mother was unable to nurse them. To her surprise, the piglets became so attached to her that they followed her everywhere. While she found their devotion amusing at first, she wasn’t quite prepared for her new entourage!

Olga also had an exceptional talent for handwriting. Her penmanship was so remarkable that after she graduated high school, she sent a letter to a company in Winnipeg applying for a job. So impressed were they by her elegant script that they hired her immediately—without ever having met her in person.

A Love Story for the Ages

It was in Winnipeg that Olga met her soulmate, Tony Bura, a handsome young Croatian man. Their paths crossed in a fateful moment when Olga returned to visit a friend at her former rooming house. As she walked down the stairs, Tony stood at the bottom and playfully asked, “Where have you been all my life?”

That night, they went dancing at the Rainbow. From then on, they danced together twice a week, their connection growing deeper with each step. Olga and Tony were married in 1962 and soon after moved to Vancouver. Olga, who had been working at CIBC, arranged for a transfer and had a job waiting for her when they arrived.

Together, Olga and Tony built a life filled with love, hard work, and shared dreams. They started a courier business, pouring their energy into making it a success. During the early years, Olga continued working at the bank to support them while Tony focused on the company. Eventually, she joined him full-time, and through their dedication and sacrifices, their business flourished.

Beyond work, they shared a love for travel, exploring many countries and enjoying countless cruises together.

A Legacy of Kindness and Strength

Olga was a woman of remarkable grace and warmth. While she carried herself with refinement and had a taste for the finer things in life, she remained humble and unpretentious. She was always considerate of others, treating everyone with kindness and dignity, whether in times of ease or adversity. Her genuine, caring nature left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

She and Tony were inseparable throughout their 60 years of marriage. His passing in 2022 was a profound loss, yet Olga faced her grief with resilience and continued to radiate positivity.

Olga was a truly special person—one who brought joy, laughter, and music into the lives of so many. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.