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
16 Responses
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.