Paul John Olsen

Capt. Paul John Olsen, 81, of Surrey, BC, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2017 surrounded by his adoring family. Following his wishes, arrangements for cremation are made and a celebration of life will follow in the warmer months.

Paul was born in Moose Jaw, SK on June 11, 1935, joining his eldest sister and younger brother with parents, Nelly Clemensen and Peter Olsen, who originally emigrated from Denmark. In 1946, Paul's parents moved the family from their small farm in Moose Jaw to settle in Mission, BC where they built their new family home and put down roots.

Paul participated in the Royal Canadian Air Cadets program throughout his adolescence, and with a passion for speed Paul built his very own soap box car and was the champion at the Mission BC Soapbox Derby in 1949. Soon after graduating secondary school he joined the Canadian Air Force and served from 1953 until 1959 flying the Canadair Sabre, while stationed in West Germany with his Squadron 434 who affectionately nicknamed him “Bobo” after a popular middleweight boxing champion.

After his service, Paul returned back to Canada and continued his love of flying as an instructor at the Chilliwack, BC Airport. In 1962 he began flying for Canadian Pacific Air Lines, and then carried out his career as an airline pilot, later retiring as Capt. on Canadian Airline’s 747 in 1995.

Influenced by his father's profession as a carpenter, Paul enjoyed working with his hands and excelled in woodwork. During his retirement, Paul actively filled his home with many of his innovative designs, and worked happily with his wife to create a picturesque landscape rich with flourishing gardens and a variety of beautiful trees, along with a gazebo, trellis and sundeck. Paul is preceded in death by his wife, Jean Olsen, who sadly passed away May 13, 2014.

Paul is lovingly remembered by his sister Edna Olsen and brother Philip Olsen, along with Paul’s four children, Paul Olsen Jr., Gordon Olsen, James Olsen (with wife Kira Olsen), and Lara Olsen (with husband Stephen Lee), including Paul’s grand-children, Jason Olsen, Keyanna Olsen and Isabel Olsen, in addition to his great grand-child Liam Olsen, and by many more family members and dear friends from around the world. He will be missed in each passing day, and loved always.

"TO LIVE IN HEARTS WE LEAVE BEHIND IS NOT TO DIE"

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