OLSON, Francis John Robert
May 4, 1928 – September 30, 2015
It is with great sadness that the family of Francis John Robert Olson announce that Francis passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 30 at the age of 87. Francis will be lovingly remembered by Lorraine, his wife of 60 years and their seven children: Mark (Suzanne), Rose-Marie, Duane (Ann), Joanne (Dale), Paul, Michelle and Pauline (Dennis). Francis will also be fondly remembered by their ten grandchildren: Dean, Sarah, Stefanie, Jessica, Oscar, Maria, Reid, Erik, Dylan and Robert and their first great-granddaughter, Annika. Francis will also be fondly remembered by Lorraine’s family: Rose-Marie (Olivier+), Camille (Pearl) and Guy (Aileen) and his numerous nephews and nieces, his extended family and his dear friends. Francis’ life was filled with many blessings. He was dearly loved by his parents, Axel R. (Carlson) and Cecelia R. (Wambeke) Olson who claimed their homestead in the Munson area in 1908. Francis spent many happy summers and holidays with his extended Carlson and Wambeke families in Calgary and the High River area. Francis loved the Drumheller badlands and the surrounding productive farmland. He was proud to be a farmer; he loved agriculture and the future opportunities of agricultural research. He championed many innovative farming practices on the family farm and was always interested in new opportunities in agriculture. He was passionate about life-long learning and he always had fond memories of his first one-room school, Morning Glory. Following his completion of High School in Drumheller, Francis earned his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, University of Alberta (1950) and his Masters of Agriculture Economics at Iowa State University (1953). He dearly loved his family and friends and his home was always open to visitors. Also, numerous stray dogs and cats found a loving home and refuge on the family farm. Francis loved the Catholic Church and he enjoyed scripture studies. He loved reading, travelling and enjoying the wonders of nature. Dad considered his greatest blessing in his life to be his loving wife, Lorraine, whose love and companionship gave him a wonderful family life for over 60 years. Vigil Prayers will be held at 7:00 PM, on Thursday, October 15, 2015 at the St. Anthony’s Church, 151 1 Street West in Drumheller. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 16, 2015, at St. Anthony’s Church with Father Fernando Genagaling celebrant. A funeral lunch will follow immediately after the Mass at the St. Anthony’s Hall, next door to the church. Interment will follow later in the afternoon at the Munson Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Catholic Church or to the Drumheller & District Humane Society. Please RSVP at www.courtneywintersfuneralhome.ca.
