It is with sadness that we announce the death of Martin Joe Olson of Davidson, Saskatchewan. Martin passed with his wife Irene at his side, on December 4, 2014 after a short battle with cancer at the age of 77. Martin was born in Hazel Dell, Saskatchewan on February 3, 1937, to Elvin and Elvina (nee Reinson) Olson. He married Irene (nee Ganton), on October 18, 1958, in Melfort Saskatchewan, and they started their family there. They moved to Davidson in 1962 and lived there until his passing.
Martin is survived by his wife of 55 years Irene, children Cam (Hayatt) Olson, Evan (Roxane Schury) Olson and Melody (Bryan Dimen) Olson and grandchildren Rhela (Terry) Bowers, Tristan (Jeannine) Manz, Kacie (Tyson Loshka) Manz, Holly (Jordan Sexton) Olson, Hillary (Ted) McCrann and Liam Olson. Martin was also blessed with two great-grandchildren Chase and Sadie Bowers. Martin is also survived by his sisters Viola (Norman, deceased) Hearn, Elaine (Jim) Tomkins and Judy (Peter) Sawchuk and sister-in-law Muriel.
Martin is preceded in death by his parents Elvin and Elvina Olson, his in-laws Kathleen and Clifford Ganton, his brothers Allan Olson, Norman (Ann) Olson and his sister and brother-in-law Loretta and Sid Wiwchar.
Martin’s first job was working telephone construction with his brother in Alberta. He soon made a lifetime career with Saskatchewan Power for 35 years, first in construction and later as Assistant District Operator and retired as District Operator.
Martin was an avid golfer and was active with the Davidson golf course both on the Executive and for a term as President. He was a committed community member and involved as a Kinsmen, Boy Scout Leader, with the Junior Athletic Association, the K-40 and with the skating rink and curling club. He was an excellent carpenter and many friends and family have benefited from the projects he and Irene worked on together.
Martin’s family was his first priority; he loved his kids, had a very special relationship with his grandchildren and was involved in their sports and activities. In the early years the family enjoyed numerous summer camping trips to B.C. together – in a tent camper he made himself, pulled by the Buick Wildcat! A celebration of Martin’s life was held at the Davidson Catholic Church on Thursday, December 11, 2014, officiated by Lutheran Pastor Sonje Finnestad.
The family would like to say a special thank-you to Dr. Lang and the staff at the Davidson Health Centre for their compassionate care and support.
Donations in memory of Martin can be sent to Davidson Golf Course, the Davidson and District Health Foundation, cheques payable to the town of Davidson, the Children’s Wish Foundation or charity of your choice. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson was in care of arrangements.