Kenneth "Ken" Neil Olson

The family of Ken Olson of Redcliff, AB and formerly of Moose Jaw, SK and the Weyburn, SK District, beloved husband of Louise and father to Rick Olson and Crystal Bailey, sadly announce his passing on Monday, September 30, 2024.  He was 75 years of age.

Ken was predeceased by his parents, Joe and Vivian Olson; his sisters Myrna Krantz and Deloris Jorde; and his sister-in-law, Joanne Olson.

He will be forever loved and missed by his wife of 52 years, Louise; his son Rick (Jacky) of Redcliff, AB; daughter Crystal (Ray) of Yorkton, SK and by his pride and joy, grandsons Drew and TJ Olson and Ryan and Divina. Ken also leaves to cherish his memory, siblings, Dale Olson of Indian Head, SK; Bonnie (Ernie) Pokletar of Weyburn, SK; Judy (Zyg) Siwy of Weyburn, SK; Lynda (Rodney) of Oungre, SK; Ivan (Marlene) of Weyburn, SK as well as many beloved in-laws and treasured nieces and nephews.

Kenneth Neil “Ken” was born the fifth child of eight to Joseph and Vivian (nee Kinna) Olson on November 29, 1948 in Weyburn, Saskatchewan. Ken received his schooling in Greendale, Tribune and Gladmar until tenth grade when he began his working career.

His first job was at Firestone where he changed tires, after which he worked at Sash and Door making windows and doors followed by a career with Moose Jaw Meat Packers and then farming on the land upon which he had been raised. Ken’s main career was working as a mechanic and farm hand for Rathwell Transportation in Moose Jaw. He completed his career as a heavy-duty mechanic at Double K until his retirement due to health reasons in 2011.  In 2014, Ken and Louise moved to Redcliff, Alberta to be closer to their grandchildren.

Ken loved to work and was an excellent and loyal employee who had a great knowledge of machinery as well as talents for farming, carpentry, plumbing and electrical work. He was a strong-willed and immensely patient man who was happy to have helped many family members, friends and neighbours with countless handy-man projects throughout his life. Ken was always happy to help get the job done and enjoyed the satisfaction of completing the work and continuing a friendship.  

After a short stay at St. Joseph’s Carmel Hospice, Ken was called to his heavenly home for his well-earned rest on Monday, September 30th. “Well done good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

A Funeral Service was held on Friday, October 4, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. from the Grace United Church, Weyburn, SK with officiant Reverend M. Barnabas.  Following the funeral service, a memorial luncheon took place in the lower level of the church.  Interment was held Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn, SK. Casket Bearers are: Rob Johnson, Joey Olson, Calvin Lacoste, Michael Hudey, Jason Lewis and Ryan Lewis. 

For those wishing to attend virtually, please follow the live-stream video by opening Ken’s memorial page on RD Family Funeral Chapel’s website starting at 12:45 p.m. on Friday, October 4, 2024.

For family and friends so wishing, charitable donations in memory of Ken may be made to the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA), M332—1554 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Z 7M4.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey’s Funeral Home, Yorkton, SK in cooperation with Pattison’s Funeral Home on Medicine Hat, AB and RD Family Funeral Chapel in Weyburn, SK.