Olav Skjelbred

Born on September 21, 1930 in Høyjord, Norway to parents Ole Kristian Antonsen Skjelbred and Emma Olava Notnes. 

Olav grew up on a farm with his six siblings. He attended a farm and forestry school before serving his military commitment in the King’s Guard regiment in Norway. He moved to Canada on his own in 1952 knowing absolutely no English. He worked as a farm hand, then a tree-faller throughout BC. In 1960, he met his future wife, Anne Campbell, in Cache Creek. They settled in Telkwa where they raised their three children. His passions were cross-country skiing, gardening and later, when he moved to Parksville, lawn bowling. He will always be remembered by his gentle nature, curiosity and subtle wit. 

Olav is survived by his brother Emil, sisters-in-law Ann Helene, Lorraine, and Anne Kari, children Geoff (Nancy), Mina and Thelma and grandchildren Quinton, Tyla and Alina. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Canadian Cancer Society.

There will be a celebration of life to be held at Parksville Lawn Bowling Club, July 29, 2024, 3-5pm