Obituary of Andrew Olson

On November 30, 2006, Andy Olson passed away in North Battleford, SK at the age of 82. He was born January 10, 1924 in Rabbit Lake, SK, one of eight children to Otto and Marie Olson. Although the family moved around lots as a kid, Andy was always close to his family. In 1944, Andy contracted TB and spent 6 years in the Prince Albert Sanatorium. After recovering, he went to barber school in Saskatoon and graduated in 1953. He met and married Clara Egeland in 1955. They lived in Prince Albert, North Battleford and eventually bought a farm near Medstead. They raised 7 children and have been married 51 years. They lived the past 35 years on the farm, working on various jobs, but always barbering. Andy had a shop in North Battleford until 1994, when he retired due to health reasons. He always had a barbers chair in his home so he was able to cut hair until a few days before his passing. In 2005, Andy was honored with a special dinner as one of Saskatchewan's Nation Builders. He also celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary with his wife Clara and received another Medal of Recognition for his work in the community. Andy has always lived a life of faith and quiet patience. His youngest great grand child was born on November 18, 2005 and he was able to hold her just days before his passing. His legacy is in his passing along his faith to his children and grandchildren and he will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Clara of 51 years, his children Carl (Lois) Olson of Medstead, SK, Erik Olson of Medstead, SK, Hilda (John) Eberle of North Battleford, SK, Carrie (Rob) Dickson of Grimshaw, AB, Fergus (Lula) Olson of Saskatoon, SK, Oran (Mary Ann) Olson of Medstead, SK and Joan (Leonard) Barbondy of Medstead, SK; 23 Grandchildren and 13 Great Grandchildren, his sisters Olive (Rueben) Schmidtke of North Battleford, SK and Marcella Forrest of North Yorkshire, England; a brother Roy Olson (Germaine Nacghtegale), a brother in law Paul Prudat of Meadow Lake, SK, a sister in law Doris Olson of Lloydminster as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Marie & Otto Olson; his sisters: Joyce Olson, Minnie Prudat; his brothers: Chester & Russel (Selma); a brother in law Eric Forrest and a sister in law Alma Olson. The funeral service was held on Monday, December 4th, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. from the Medstead Community Hall. The officiant was Pastor Richard Prankev and the music director was Allan Wheale. The scripture readings were read by Rob Dickson and the eulogy was given by Donna Hagen. Honorary pall bearers were all relatives and friends who shared in Andy's life and active pall bearers were Carl Olson, Erik Olson, Fergus Olson, Oran Olson, Leonard Barbondy and John Eberle. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Bethel Lutheran Church or donor's choice. Andy was laid to rest in the Medstead Lutheran Cemetery.