Doris, still thinking of you - your grace, gentleness and kindness. Miss you! Michelle

It has been 3 years and I can still hear your laugh and see your beautiful smile. You are forever missed and irreplaceable in our hearts.
Dorothy, Karl & Jenna

Hi Peter. My heart goes out to you! Doris will always be with the people who she cared about. Her soul is in the universe and her spirit surrounds and envelopes loved ones.
Anne
roos@ca.inter.net

Doris, I truly miss you very much, your smile and friendship.

My sincere condolences to Peter, the Olmstead family and Flip Hair Design.  I am so sorry to learn that Doris died last Oct. 8,  2014, today June 4, 2015.  I had been a client of Doris for 21 years and had not been into see her since April 23, 2013. Doris was the best listener, always had cheerful smile on her face despite her diagnosis, and a great laugh.  Doris you will never be forgotten.

You left us way to soon Doris.
There is now emptiness where once was life, laughter, grace, caring and sincere warmth. You will never be forgotten Doris.
Rest in Peace forever.

My sincerest condolences to Peter, the Olmstead family, her Flip family,  and the countless clients who knew her for many years and became family.  I was out of town when my dear friend/confident/hair artiste of 30 years left us.  I will never forget her zest for life, her incredible hearty laugh, her impeccable style,  her compassion,  her elegance and grace.  I will miss you.  Rest in peace dear Doris.

Doris had such relish and zest for life.  She was a great listener too.  You always knew she cared about what you discussed with her while she did wonders with your hair.  She will be sorely missed.  My heartfelt condolences to Peter and the Flip family.  To you, Doris!  We are all poorer without you.

My sincerest condolences to the friends and family of Doris. Although I have not seen Doris in decades, I have thought of her often and have such fond memories of our High School trips together. Safe travel my friend.

A beautiful person I will remember fondly forever. Sincerest condolences to the family

Our condolences to Peter and the Olmstead family, some may call Doris their hair stylist, some may call her their friend, but for Doris to have styled my hair for 28 years and another 18 years for my daughter Rachel (starting at the ripe age of  6 mos), Doris was family.   Most would say her talent was with the scissors (and I would agree, Doris styled my hair the same for the last 28 years, it stood the test of time) but Doris's real talent was her people skills.  She had the most optimistic and positive outlook in life, she never once during her illness,  complained or was down on herself - rather she would ask about your family and how your job was going, Doris was the best. I will miss her infectious laugh, her bickers with Greg (but then again everybody bickers with Greg) and her chic style.  Janice, Rachel & I will miss you dearly, rest in peace.  ps - say hello to Derek

I would like to pass my deepest condolences to Greg, Paul and the rest of the Flip hair design team, as well as to Peter—we never had the pleasure of meeting but Doris spoke of you often.

I always left Doris's chair feeling not only better looking, but just better… (she also never made me feel bad for waiting for 4 months between cuts). More importantly, I learned so much from Doris about how to make people feel welcome and special. She had a stellar memory for the details of people's lives—a rare talent but she couldn't have done it if she hadn't cared as well. Her strength and courage in the face of adversity will be a lasting lesson for so many of us. Rest in peace, Doris.

My heart goes out to the Olmstead family and close friends of Doris.  My first memory of Doris is way back at Gladys Speers Public School in Oakville.  I have many warm memories of Doris at school, playing in the park behind the school, swimming in Olmstead's pool and walking what seemed like a never-ending distance between Doris' home and my own.  It has been a long time since I spoke with Doris and even longer since seeing her. Life takes its twists and turns. What has always stayed with me over the years is the caring, kind, authentic person who I had the privilege to share a slice of time with.  
Deborah Jaszek Mollica - Vancouver, BC

To Doris's family , I am so sorry for your loss, I'll never forget her smile , it could light up room .

Dear Peter,

I have known your cousin Armenia for over 34 years. I could not believe it when she called Thursday with the sad news. My mother and I were clients of Doris years ago. I say clients but we were also friends. She was such a wonderful person it was easy to also be friends. From time to time I would ask Armen about you two. My deepest condolences go out to you and your family, and to Doris's family. May she rest in peace.

My condolences to eveyone who had the fortune of spending time with Doris.  The many years I sat in her chair talking, laughing and sharing ... We all miss her love and spirit.

To  Peter and Doris's  Family

I had the pleasure of meeting Doris in 2001, and we immediately established a client relationship and soon after , Doris became  a dear friend. having your hair cut is a procedure we all go thru  frequently , as it is  needed, but having Doris, as your  stylist, was something  I looked forward to , in anticipation  of seeing Doris and being in her  company. It was better than a friend  Doris was like  something  else, effervescent , caring , genuinely concerned and the experience was  so fulfilling , you could hardly wait till the next HAIR CUT. I was indeed privileged to have had Doris in my life and I offer my deepest sympathy to Peter , Doris's Mother, the entire family including  Peter's  family.
David P Fenster

May she rest in peace. She was truly  an exceptional lady.

Dear Doris: How does one thank someone who has been so full of grace and shared so much with others. I met Doris when I myself was preparing for gain surgery, 20 years ago now... I wanted a short cut and Doris provided not only that, but provided comfort, caring, listening, just being with me... I have learned so much from her over the 20 years I have known her and she will always be a part of me... May you have found peace and rest... I will never forget you! My condolences to your wonderful colleagues, to Peter, your brother, Mary and Sany, and all those others who loved you...
Alda Steprans

I send my condolences to Peter and to the rest of Doris's family.  I'm so sorry for your loss.  Doris and I shared many stories over the many years as I sat in her chair and she worked to make me "look beautiful".  She was a wonderful listener with a generous spirit, and I loved her laugh and her wisdom.  I always felt better after seeing her.  I will miss her.  She made the world a better place.
Edite

"Doris, I will deeply miss my best friend and soul sister. You were one of a kind."

Darcy and Neil! I'm so sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you!

I met Doris over 20 years ago when my daughter was working at her salon. She became my hairdresser and also a friend. I have many fond memories laughing and sharing with Doris.  She was there when my children were married, and styled their hair for their weddings.  Her infectious laugh and warm smile will remain fondly in my heart.  My thoughts and prayers are with Peter, her family and her friends.

Dear Doris,
I will miss our wonderfull talks about life,men, animals and great British T.V.You were more than just my hairdresser but also a confidant and great listener and friend! I already miss you so much!  

          Holly Belcham (Toronto,Ont.)

It was an honor and privilege to have known you the last few years. I will miss your company. Rest in Peace dear friend. Carol Cooney

Doris, you were a beautiful person inside and out. You brought such light and grace into the world... I will miss you tremendously. 
Michelle Alfano

Rest in peace Doris, I will always miss our funny talks we had while you were doing my hair, especially Seinfeld discussions.

Doris was the kind of person who made everyone feel special and cared about. Except, unlike many, she was sincere about it. I am hanging on to the memory of great conversations with her and mostly to the sound of her wonderful laughter. She was a gift.

My dear friend I am heart broken and will miss you forever xoxo

Doris will be so missed; She was my hairdresser for many years in Toronto, and was a beautiful person. She did my hair for many weddings including my sister's in 1994, and my brother's in 2007. She was so talented, feisty and caring; I am so sorry to Peter & her family for your loss.

Doris was that one unique person that you come upon in this journey called Life. Beautiful inside and out. She was a true caring friend who always put you first even to the end.. May the memory of her infectious laughter and smile help us all through this loss. You are irreplaceable in our hearts and will always be missed. Peter, she will always shine over us for that is her way.

I was referred to Doris about six years ago by a colleague and lover.  She had a great hair cut, and I wanted one too!  I found Doris was a great friend to me, and to the gay and lesbian community.  She did lots of volunteer work with Casey House, and had much to say about the AIDS crisis in Toronto.  I enjoyed Doris very much.  I thought she was very funny, she had a big and irreverent laugh.  I thought she was stylish, tall, and good looking.  I looked forward to speaking with her every month or so, hearing her views about the world, and to get my hair cut.  I always felt good about myself after a hair cut with Doris.  Our views about the aesthetic superiority of the androgenous 1980s were always agreed.  I will miss Doris.  I will miss her laugh.  I will miss her great strength, and elegance.  With love and affection, Jeanette

Doris I'm so glad you were my friend for almost 50 years!  I have so many great memories of growing up with you in Oakville.  You were kind and compassionate, and one of the funniest people I have ever know.  We were lucky to have you in our lives.  Peter, Neil and Darcy my thoughts are with you.

Doris was truly a bright light who will be missed. I enjoyed her company for decades.  May she find peace.

We are so sorry to hear of Doris passing. She was a wonderful person and she showed such love for our little dog Tia every time we came to the salon. She is an inspiration for life, courage and love. What a remarkable person who we will miss, our condolences to her family.

Dear Doris,
Seeing you always made me happy. You deserved a healthy, happy life, but in your illness you taught me and many, many other people about grace and goodness. Heaven is better for having you in it, but the world will suffer in your absence.
Missing you already,
Peter

Doris and I went to high school together and, although we hadn't seen each other in many years, I am deeply saddened by her passing. I will always remember the cheerful and beautiful Doris. May she rest in peace. My condolences to her family and friends.

Carol Valerio (Martindale)

To the Olmstead Family 
We are very sorry to hear of Doris's passing. We always remember seeing her walking on Rebecca Street. May she rest in peace. 

The Nauss's 
(2040 Rebecca Street)

My deepest condolences Neil to you and your family.  May Doris rest peacefully.  Hugs.

My deepest condolences to Doris's family. I know she will be missed. Doris was always a bright light full of vitality. She fought for so long and now she can have peace.

Doris was the best: she was the best hairdresser, she had the best sense of humor and she had the best outlook on life. For 30 years we laughed and solved the problems of the world.  Doris, we will all miss you.  We have been lucky to have been in your sphere.

Georgina

Dear Peter my thoughts go out to you in sympathy today.  I hope you'll find strength and comfort, too,
Doris was so dear to all of us.
Guida

Doris was more than my hairdresser for over 20 years, she was my inspiration. As a fellow cancer citizen (we refused to be victims), we would share stories about our experiences that made us both laugh. Her optimism was infectious as was her beautiful smile. She will be missed. Godspeed my friend! Glenda McDonald

My thoughts and prayers are with you Neil and your family at this time of sadness...chin up brother

So sorry to hear of Doris' passing. She put up a great fight. May she rest in peace.

I am very sad to hear of this loss. She was one of the sweetest people. She will be sadly missed by all. Devah

Dear Peter,

I was so saddened to hear about Doris.  No words can help to ease your pain and grief but I hope you can find some comfort in the love of family and friends, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Liz Ferguson

I met Doris for the first time 30 years ago at a mutual friend's party.  I had just moved to Toronto and had been to several hairdressers and somehow couldn't find the right one for me.  When we were introduced, I learned she was a hairdresser and asked if she would be interested in cutting my hair. She said "of course".  Soon after I made a hair appointment and walked up the stairs of the Salon just off Yonge Street (I think Deva Hair) and had the first of many perfect haircuts! I would come with my daughter's in the stroller and as adults they also had their hair cut by Doris.  There were only a few periods of time that I couldn't make it to see Doris; work-travel, where we lived, and her own time away to fight Cancer, but I always came back.  She not only cut my hair so well, but I looked forward to seeing her, to sit in her chair and feel her gentle touch, share laughs, stories and share tears.  She was therapy for me.    
My husband Edgar went to have his hair cut once by Doris (who he had known as long as I had) during a lunch hour from work.  He knew that for us “ladies” getting out hair cut was more than just that … it was an opportunity to talk and catch up and just enjoy each other's company for a short while in an otherwise stressful and full day.  When he got home that night he told me that he just couldn't go back.  As enjoyable as Doris was, he just couldn't invest the usual 2 hours in a haircut during a 1 hour lunch break!
Knowing how much Doris loved animals, and remembering all the pictures she had of everyone's little “babies”, Edgar said yesterday morning that he hoped that they were all sitting just inside the gates of Heaven, dogs wagging their tails, waiting for Doris to pet each and everyone one of them! 
Both Edgar and I have been constantly surprised by the number of people we have met who have known Doris.  Even in the strangest places and at the strangest times we would just be talking with someone and Doris' name would come up, whether as a hairdresser or just a wonderful person. Doris was one of the kindest, considerate and genuine people I have met in my life.  Her death is a terrible loss.   I can only hope that she is right now hanging out with Rita, Derek and so many others who have left us.  Their hair will once again look perfect.

Doris,
I feel so lucky to have known you, and had you in my life. Talented, beautiful, strong, and just amazing... You saw me through so much in my life, giving me confidence and laughs, and perfect hair, of course! :) Your infectious optimism and huge smile will always be remembered.
I miss you.

OBITUARY

Doris Olmstead

October 26, 1957 – October 8, 2014

Giffen-Mack and Trull Funeral Home

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