On February 22, 2010, Ollie Ward, my soul mate of 66 years, passed on. Ollie was the one I was meant to be with. She was my best friend, my lover, my partner, in the truest sense of the word and a fabulous Mother.
Ollie leaves behind our son, Rob; our daughter-in-law, Elda; two grandchildren, Alix and Jesse and a great grand-daughter, Lily, as well as myself. She is now on her journey to meet our son, Rick; her sister, Marie and her parents, Lily and Bill Icton.
Ollie was born in 1923 and came into my life 15 years later at the Fort Frances High School. In 1944, we married in Montreal during my short respite from RCAF overseas service. The way we married presaged a great deal of our life together: fun, lively, spirited, caring and spontaneous. There has always been lots of spark between us.
Work demanded that we live in many different cities across Canada and in the UK. Each time, Ollie built a quality life for the family. She made each move seamless and was able to build a web of friendships that sustains us to this day. She was not a large person but she did have a large personality. She loved people, a good time and was a whirlwind of energy preceded by an infectious laugh.
Ollie was active throughout her life in curling, golf, dancing (mostly with me), skiing, skating and playing bridge. To honour Ollie’s wishes, a formal funeral will not be held. Instead a private family gathering will be held to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer you give a donation to your favourite charity.
Submitted by her loving husband, Al
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Cyril and Eleanore Greig
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Cyril and Eleanore Greig Dear Al,
We are deeply saddened by the news of Ollie’s passing. She will always be remembered as the spark that lit up our Canadian Rockies train trip and provided another view of those glorious mountains. Various people come through one’s life leaving a little of their auras – for a little person, Ollie’s aura was brighter than most and everlasting. We will miss the knowledge of her presence across the water. Eleanore and Cyril
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Bunny Sandman Ollie and I were such good friends and I will miss her dearly. We always had so much fun together whether it was golfing, going for lunch, hitting balls at Mattick’s, or line dancing in Sidney. Please know that she was one of my very best friends. My heart goes out to you, Al.
Love,
Bun
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Margaret and George Morgan Dear Al, We were truely saddened to hear of the passing of your Dear wife Ollie. Your sweetheart of sixtysix years. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Please accept our heart felt condolences.
We will be thinking of you as you gather with your immediate family to celebrate Ollie’s bountifull life.
Margaret & George Morgan. David, Richard and Deanna.
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Shelagh Bell To Al – I met you and Ollie in Calgary when I worked for good old TCA. I am sorry that Ollie has gone, but am sure you have many happy memories . I can hear her laugh.
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Cathy & Gary Barker Dear Al
Gary and I were very saddened to receive your email of Ollie’s passing. We remember some great times with both of you and the laughter never stopped when we were in your and Ollie’s presence. Moncton, Montreal, Glasgow, Barbados, Victoria – they were all great. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories that you hold close to your heart. Please know that you are in our prayers and thoughts and if we get out to Victoria we will certainly pay you a visit.
With our Love & Prayers
Cathy (Delahunt) & Gary Barker.
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Bill & Irene Snow Dear Al: My hearfelt sympathy to you on the loss of your Dear Ollie–I know how your heart aches as my Bill has also just been called to a better place–take care Al and may time heal your sorrow Irene Snow
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Ivor and Roberta McLaren We read of your 66 years together and were very sorry to read of Ollie’s passing. Mostly, we will always remember her infectious laugh. Thank you Rob and Elda for informing us by email.
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Eileen To Al, Rob and Elda,
I am sorry to say goodbye to my special friend, but will always remember our great times together.
The obituary was beautiful and very truthful Al.
I’ll always remember Ollie and her funny, fiestiness and happy personality.Fondly,
Eileen
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Lorraine Owen (Nee Ward) Dear Al,
Both Lorraine and myself are saddened to hear of Ollie’s passing,our thoughts are with you at this sad time.Although Lorraine and I never had the privilege of meeting Olie through your e-mails and letters we both felt we knew her well.
Love
Lorraine and Barry Owen
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Fred and Monique Coyle Dear Al,
We read your beautiful story in the Times Colonist this morning about your life with Ollie. It was beautifully written and of course you described her and your life together so well. She was a great lady and we send you and your family our love and sincere sympathy on your loss.
Sincerely,
Fred and Monique
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Pat DiRaddo Al, I am so sorry to hear of Ollie’s passing and can only hope that she had a peaceful passing. I will forever think of you as an amazing couple, loving and devoted to one another. I can only image how difficult this time is for you and hope you are surrounded with many loving friends and family, which I feel sure you are as you and Ollie made life-long friends wherever you went.
You had an amazing life together. My heart goes out to you at this time and both Tony & I offer our deepest condolences.
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Lyn Thomas My parents Arthur and Betty Thomas and I were very sad to hear your news, and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I have very strong memories of Ollie in the 1960s – much as you describe her – lively, stylish, and great fun to be with.
I will print out your email and send it to Mum and Dad – I know it will mean a lot to them to hear your moving words. I spoke to them last night and they had already had the news from cousin George. They were thinking of you with great affection and sympathy, and remembering very happy times with you and Ollie, in Glasgow, Wolverhampton and Canada.
With all our love to you, Rob and Elda and all the family,
Lyn, Betty and Arthur
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Diane & Kirk Camirand Uncle Al, Cousins Rob ,Elda and family:
We are so deeply sorry to hear that Auntie Ollie has passed on. Our few visits and wonderful times together will always be remembered and cherished. Please know we are thinking of you everyday and are only a phone call away if you need us . Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Our deepest condolences & with much love, Diane, Kirk, Chantel and Greg
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Joyce Pinckney I am a lucky person to have known Ollie (and Al. One thinks of them as a matched set.) Ollie was a spontaneous source of energy and quick wit where-ever she was. She was a necessary ingredient for a successful party and the room came alive when she arrived. She was a great tease, and I enjoyed the occasions when she and I could have a little sparring session (though quick wit is not my forte.) Her clever mind and life experience allowed her to be a source of information and wisdom. And the love and devotion seen in the eyes of the two Wards Al and Ollie when they looked at one another is a testament to true love that lasts a lifetime. i am thinking of you and remembering you always.
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Linda Ross Kercher Dear Al…..Elda has often told me about the Ollie/Al love story. Your many years together are a testimony to that steadfast devotion between the two of you. I’m sure the happy memories you’ve shared together will sustain you through your loss. I met met Ollie a couple of times when I was with Elda….. she was only too happy to show us a good time and I was most appreciative!
My family and I send along a huge hug to you and your family as you say goodbye to your childhood sweetheart, Mother and Grandma. I know that you will be together again one day Al…..in the meantime take good care of yourself and enjoy your family.
With Love and Light, Linda
Dear Al,
We are deeply saddened by the news of Ollie’s passing. She will always be remembered as the spark that lit up our Canadian Rockies train trip and provided another view of those glorious mountains. Various people come through one’s life leaving a little of their auras – for a little person, Ollie’s aura was brighter than most and everlasting.
Friends always,
Eleanore and Cyril