Obituary of Louie Olai Olsen

Louie Olai Olsen

April 27, 1922 ~ October 25, 2021

Louie, son of Edward Olai and Lillian Celia (Lundberg) Olsen was born in Saskatoon, SK. Olai was a carpenter/contractor from Norway and Lillian was born in Duluth, MN to Swedish immigrants.

Olai was on his way to establishing himself in Saskatoon when the depression hit. In 1929, the family moved to the Mayview area, which is just south of the Prince Albert National Park. Here on the “homestead “, Louie and his brothers had many memorable adventures! They were able to fish, hunt, trap, and develop a healthy lifestyle amongst the forests and lakes. The siblings also developed a lifelong bond between themselves.

As Olai was able to support his family, with work off of the homestead, they all enjoyed a somewhat better lifestyle than their neighbors…they had two coal-oil lamps, a horse, homemade skis, and most enjoyably, they were able to take music lessons. This love of music was strong, at about the age of 15, Louie trapped and sold squirrel hides to buy himself a mandolin. But Louie particularly enjoyed playing the violin, and frequently played along with his brothers and other musicians for the love of music. Louie was also an excellent baseball player!

Louie and three of his brothers were eager to sign up for service in WWll. Looking for adventure, Louie trained with the RCAF and was a Flight Engineer, flying Halifax's and Lancaster’s during his three tours of duty. Along with his brothers, they were proud to serve Canada and fortunate to return safely.

Like his own dad, Louie mastered the art of carpentry. An avid reader, he enjoyed The National Geographic, nature books and a good novel. Settling in Prince Albert, he built many homes, grew a large garden, contributed to his community, and very lovingly, raised four children with his first wife Joyce. He instilled independence, the love of music, of nature, and of learning in his children. Many family outings included camping trips to BC or fishing trips in northern Saskatchewan.

Family gatherings were frequent, and he was usually the one that all of the children wanted to play with…he was loved for giving wheelbarrow rides, making stilts and popcorn.

Louie passed away peacefully, in the care of the compassionate staff at Sherbrooke, where he had lived the last 2 and a half years.

Louie is survived his children Byron, April (Rob Nichol), Rosemary (Greg Putnam); grandchildren Danica (Austin), Farideh (Mark), Rachel (Jorge), Peter (Ruby); great grandchildren Kai, Bruno, Paulina, Fjor, Sienna; and brother Eddie (Margaret); plus numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Louie is predeceased by his parents Olai and Lillian Olsen, his siblings Leonard, Lloyd, Laura, Lawrence (Bucky), daughter Joy and granddaughters Ocean and Sofia.

The immediate family of Louie will hold a celebration of his life on Friday, October 29, 2021, at 1:00 pm, Gray’s Funeral Chapel, Prince Albert, SK.  Services will be live streamed.  If you wish to view the service, the live stream link is www.grays.ca/memorial-videos/.   Interment to follow at Prince Albert Memorial Gardens, in the Last Supper.  Officiating will be shared by his family and members of the Prince Albert Legion who will perform the Honour Guard.   In memory of Louie, donations may be made to Sherbrooke Foundation at www.sherbrookecommunitycentre.ca or by mail to 401 Acadia Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7H 2E7,    Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray's Funeral Chapel, (306) 922-4729.