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Obituary: Len Olson, 1943-2011
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Leonard Arthur Olson passed away Feb. 1, 2011, after a five-year battle with cancer at the age of 67 years.
Throughout his ordeal Leonard never lost his passion for life and politics, his love of his family and he never lost his sense of humour and laughter.
Leonard was born Aug. 1, 1943. He arrived in High Prairie in 1967 to help his father, Oliver Olson, scale logs for the Alberta government. He also worked as a timekeeper/cook for Forestry. He intended to stay only a few months but stayed the rest of his life.
Leoanrd devoted much of his life volunteering in High Prairie. He was general manager for the High Prairie Regals and spoke often of the players, road trips and the Regals’ glory years. After his involvement with the Regals, he served as vice-president of the North Peace Hockey League for several years attesting to his love of senior hockey.
Leonard served three terms on town council and served on virtually every committee. Among many things he was pleased with was the development of Jaycee Park for recreation and the improvements in sidewalks. He said many times that early in his political career the sidewalks in High Prairie were in poor shape, plus there was a significant lack of handicapped access to buildings. He helped create a sidewalk replacement program and more handicapped access, which he was very proud of.
Leonard was a long-time member of the Alberta Senior Citizens Council as well as being an active and long-standing member of the Progressive Conservative Party. Leonard took great pride in his role working with the various Metis settlements on behalf of the Alberta government.
Leonard’s love of golf was life-long and we know he’ll be teeing off the red tee boxes where every shot will be a hole-in-one. He also served several years on the local golf club executive.
Leonard is survived by: his two children, Patricia and Darryl; his brother Roger; and his sister Gloria Horton (nee Olson); his grandchildren Melodie Morgan Laderoute, Lucas Gordon Laderoute and Nikita Lamouche will miss their Papa very much. As well, Leonard, is survived by his ex-wife, Anne Thomson, of Valleyview.
The family asks people to send donations to the charity of their choice in lieu of flowers.
The service for Leonard Arthur Olson was held at High Prairie St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church Feb. 12, at 1:30 p.m. Leonard’s family thanks the Town of High Prairie, the Regals alumni, and all those who knew him and called him friend.
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