Obituary for Kevin Gaye Olson
Kevin Olson
April 15th, 1958 - Thursday, May 28th, 2020
It is with sadness and deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Kevin Gaye Olson on Thursday, May 28, 2020.
Kevin was so loved, and is dearly missed by his wife Diane, sons Zane (Ashleigh) and Luke (Christina), granddaughter Eleanor, his parents Ron and Delaine Olson, siblings Kelly (Lew), Cameron (Susan), and Brent (Tanya), in-laws Marilyn and Harvey Burke, Steve (Cori), Vicky (Ejvind), and Gary (Beverly), and all of his many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends. He is deeply missed by all who knew him.
Kevin was born in Saskatoon, SK on April 15, 1958, but soon moved as a toddler along with his parents to Calgary. He spent most of his childhood growing up in Acadia playing many sports with family, cousins, and friends all day long.
Kevin became quarterback of the football team at Lord Beaverbrook High School in grade 10 and 11, and won city championships. He then attended grade 12 at Hillcrest Academy in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, continuing as quarterback. Kevin played numerous sports as a child, many of which he continued to play into adulthood including basketball, hockey and softball, but he particularly loved playing golf especially with his family. Kevin broke 70 a few times, had a double eagle (2 on a 595 yard par 5) and a hole-in-one! Another rare achievement was shooting a “Robin Hood” with his bow, where he shot an arrow into another arrow.
Kevin then met the love of his life Diane, and they married in November 1988. In 1992 Zane arrived, quickly followed by Luke in 1993. Kevin was immensely proud of his two sons, and just recently welcomed their first grand daughter Eleanor born to Luke and Christina on May 11th. Kevin was able to hold and love Ellie shortly before his passing. Kevin chose to be known as FarFar to Ellie, which means Dad’s Dad in Norwegian.
Kevin was an amazing Dad and was cherished by his family. From an early age, Kevin encouraged his boys to be all they were created to be and to follow their passions. The family spent many years camping, going on ‘Olson Family Adventures’ and ‘getting educated’ excursions. Kevin’s favorite “heaven on earth” place was the Livingstone Gap area where he would camp, fish, and hang out with his much loved family. He also enjoyed traveling to Arizona as often as possible, where he enjoyed playing golf with his brothers and ‘exploring’ adventures with Diane. He lived out a dream in 2013, traveling with his dad and brothers to the 2013 Masters. Augusta was his other “heaven on earth”. Another recent highlight was hunting with both Zane and Luke last fall. He then enjoyed many days making deer meat smoked sausage, which he then shared with friends and family.
He loved his camping, hunting, fishing, and golf trips with his boys, brothers, and nephews. Kevin was the ultimate cheerleader, always encouraging others, and his positive attitude extended to all his family and friends. He had a quiet wisdom, and was kind and considerate to everyone. He was strong, confident, respectful, accepting, nonjudgmental of others, foundational, kind, fair, and sensitive.
Kevin followed in his Dad’s footsteps working with him in the exterior renovation business, and later started his own company called Olson Exteriors where he built a reputation of respect, fairness, and quality work. He was a big brother to all he met and gave of himself by caring and finding commonality with others.
Heaven gained an exceptional and special man, and we all lost a hero! Kevin we love you so deeply and we will honor you in all we do, and look forward to meeting you again in our Lord’s presence.
The family of Kevin Olson wishes to invite friends and family to celebrate Kevin's life on Thursday, April 14, 2022 at 2:30 pm at Peace Lutheran Church (14640 - 6 Street SW, Calgary, AB).
Because of Covid restrictions, large gatherings were not possible and so a public celebration of his life has not yet been held. If you are unable to attend in person, you may contact Diane Olson for the livestream link.
To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Kevin please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.
April 15th, 1958 - Thursday, May 28th, 2020
It is with sadness and deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Kevin Gaye Olson on Thursday, May 28, 2020.
Kevin was so loved, and is dearly missed by his wife Diane, sons Zane (Ashleigh) and Luke (Christina), granddaughter Eleanor, his parents Ron and Delaine Olson, siblings Kelly (Lew), Cameron (Susan), and Brent (Tanya), in-laws Marilyn and Harvey Burke, Steve (Cori), Vicky (Ejvind), and Gary (Beverly), and all of his many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends. He is deeply missed by all who knew him.
Kevin was born in Saskatoon, SK on April 15, 1958, but soon moved as a toddler along with his parents to Calgary. He spent most of his childhood growing up in Acadia playing many sports with family, cousins, and friends all day long.
Kevin became quarterback of the football team at Lord Beaverbrook High School in grade 10 and 11, and won city championships. He then attended grade 12 at Hillcrest Academy in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, continuing as quarterback. Kevin played numerous sports as a child, many of which he continued to play into adulthood including basketball, hockey and softball, but he particularly loved playing golf especially with his family. Kevin broke 70 a few times, had a double eagle (2 on a 595 yard par 5) and a hole-in-one! Another rare achievement was shooting a “Robin Hood” with his bow, where he shot an arrow into another arrow.
Kevin then met the love of his life Diane, and they married in November 1988. In 1992 Zane arrived, quickly followed by Luke in 1993. Kevin was immensely proud of his two sons, and just recently welcomed their first grand daughter Eleanor born to Luke and Christina on May 11th. Kevin was able to hold and love Ellie shortly before his passing. Kevin chose to be known as FarFar to Ellie, which means Dad’s Dad in Norwegian.
Kevin was an amazing Dad and was cherished by his family. From an early age, Kevin encouraged his boys to be all they were created to be and to follow their passions. The family spent many years camping, going on ‘Olson Family Adventures’ and ‘getting educated’ excursions. Kevin’s favorite “heaven on earth” place was the Livingstone Gap area where he would camp, fish, and hang out with his much loved family. He also enjoyed traveling to Arizona as often as possible, where he enjoyed playing golf with his brothers and ‘exploring’ adventures with Diane. He lived out a dream in 2013, traveling with his dad and brothers to the 2013 Masters. Augusta was his other “heaven on earth”. Another recent highlight was hunting with both Zane and Luke last fall. He then enjoyed many days making deer meat smoked sausage, which he then shared with friends and family.
He loved his camping, hunting, fishing, and golf trips with his boys, brothers, and nephews. Kevin was the ultimate cheerleader, always encouraging others, and his positive attitude extended to all his family and friends. He had a quiet wisdom, and was kind and considerate to everyone. He was strong, confident, respectful, accepting, nonjudgmental of others, foundational, kind, fair, and sensitive.
Kevin followed in his Dad’s footsteps working with him in the exterior renovation business, and later started his own company called Olson Exteriors where he built a reputation of respect, fairness, and quality work. He was a big brother to all he met and gave of himself by caring and finding commonality with others.
Heaven gained an exceptional and special man, and we all lost a hero! Kevin we love you so deeply and we will honor you in all we do, and look forward to meeting you again in our Lord’s presence.
The family of Kevin Olson wishes to invite friends and family to celebrate Kevin's life on Thursday, April 14, 2022 at 2:30 pm at Peace Lutheran Church (14640 - 6 Street SW, Calgary, AB).
Because of Covid restrictions, large gatherings were not possible and so a public celebration of his life has not yet been held. If you are unable to attend in person, you may contact Diane Olson for the livestream link.
To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Kevin please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.