Gerald Peter Olson

He was predeceased by his loving wife of 54 years, Ruby, twin brother Gordon, son Gordon, grandson Joshua, brother Bill, half-brothers Ted and Lloyd and half-sisters Helen and Kathleen.

Gerald is survived by his loving wife of 9 ½ years, Gladys, his painting buddy and camping partner.

He will be greatly missed by his children Colleen (Mike) Bennett, Linda (Rick) Benton, Brandy (Juan) Olson-Hevia, Gerry Jr. (Elaine) Olson; daughter in law Janie, grandchildren Kevin, Cheralyn, Ricky Jr., Dallas, Tami-Lynn, Dustin, Taylor, Hailey, Cody and Brody and many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Gerald is also remembered by his sister Merle Neuman.

Also left to cherish his memory, are his foster daughter Valerie, his stepchildren Dave Longstaff, Ken (Carla) Longstaff, Miles Longstaff and Jane (Ian) Haggarty, his five step grandchildren, Larissa, Sky, Blake, Taylor and Connor.

He will especially be missed by his little dogs, Chi Chi and Laila.

He was born to Peter and Elizabeth Olson, in Aneroid, Saskatchewan on December 8, 1926. His parents were lucky to be blessed with identical twin boys: Gordon and Gerald.

In 1937 the family moved to Kamloops. Gerald served in the Rocky Mountain Rangers for two years, then he joined the Canadian Active Army. He met and married the love of his life, Ruby in 1947. He then started his CN Railroad career as a fireman. He made many life-long friends on the CN. They are a close and tight knit group. He advanced to an engineer and retired in 1981.

After retirement he and mom pursued their love of travel. They visited many places including Spain, Morocco, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Mexico and England. Mom and dad shared the love of dancing. The waltz was his favorite and he did a smooth one.

Family was everything to our Dad. His children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and many close friends, were the gems of his life. Kids just loved dad. Everyone who met him said “your dad is such a nice guy and such a gentleman”. And he was. There wasn’t anything he didn’t or wouldn’t do for us. We were all so very lucky to have him as our Father. His relationship with his twin brother Gordon was like no other. They shared an unspoken language with each other.

Gladys and Gerald travelled in the motorhome or truck to various places in BC, Alberta and into the United States. They liked to dance and camping was a delight with friends and family.

His talents including painting, carpentry and gardening – from tomatoes to flowers. He enjoyed the beauty, he helped to create. He gifted many of his oil paintings to friends around the world. Anyone who met this man understood how kind, gentle, humble and well respected he was. He never wanted for much and always put others first.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Gerald loved nothing more than sitting in the sun visiting and having a beer with his family or friends. Often sitting in his backyard watching his children to great grandchildren enjoying the pool he built for Ruby and kids over fifty years ago. It has been enjoyed and used over the years.

We would like to extend a thank you to the care givers and nurses who looked after our dad. A special thank you to the staff at the Kamloops Hospice Home. They are like angels on earth.

We love you dad, until we meet again

Rest in Peace.

A Celebration of his life will be held at a later date.