Obituary of Roger Oliver Olson

OLSON, Roger Oliver, age 76 of Shubenacadie, passed away in Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro, on October 7, 2018. Born in Drumhellar, AB, he was the son of the late Oliver and Elnora (Montgomery) Olson, of Smith AB.

After graduating high school, Roger completed his Basic Forestry Training at Hinton AB, then spent 13 years with the Alberta Forestry Service before moving to NS with his family. He continued his work in Forestry with NS Dept of Lands and Forests as the Fire Control Training Officer for the province until his retirement in 1999.

As a well-known fixture of the community, Roger was a member of St. Bridget’s Parish, and volunteered his time with 652 Milford and District Lions Air Cadet Squadron, as well as the local Scouting organization.  After his retirement, he kept busy with various activities which included being a musician with a local dinner theater troupe,  being a member of the St. Bernard’s Knights of Columbus, political events, and any other events that Yvonne volunteered his services.

Roger was known for his love of Country and Celtic music, played a variety of instruments and often spent time attending jam sessions with various groups.

Every autumn, Roger would load up one of his vehicles with apples, and other assorted produce and  headed to Cape Breton to sell his wares. What started as a fundraising idea for the Truro Girls Pipe Band, blossomed into an enjoyable Fall past time that spanned 40 years, leading to him being known as "The Apple Man" of Inverness Co.

Roger will always be remembered for his kindness, willingness to help others, good nature, sense of humour, and music.

He is survived by his daughter, Denise Olson of Shubenacadie; his son Marcel Olson (JoAnn) of San Diego, and many relatives in Western Canada, NS, and the USA.

Roger was predeceased by his wife of 50 years Marie “Yvonne” (Chiasson) Olson; brother, Leonard and sister, Gloria Horton.

Visitation will be held 7-9pm, Thursday, October 11, 2018 commencing with a Knights of Columbus service at 7 pm (which will be live streamed http://distantlink.com/ettingers.html) in Ettinger Funeral Home, 2812 Highway 2, Shubenacadie. A funeral service will be held at 11am, Wednesday, October 17, 2018 in St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, East Margaree, Father Macdonald Ibeh officiating.

Donations in memory of Roger may be made through Legacy of Life, Nova Scotia-supporting organ donation http://www.legacyoflife.ns.ca/ ; or to any local grassroots charity.

Condolences, words of comfort and memories of Roger may be shared with the family at: www.ettingerfuneralhome,com