Errol Olafson

Errol Stephan Olafson passed away peacefully on Friday,

September 29, 2017 at Banff Mineral Springs Hospital, Banff, AB

with family by his side.

Born and raised in Eston, Saskatchewan on June 25, 1929 to the first Icelandic homesteaders. His father Arni Olafson (Akureyri, Iceland) and mother Sigrid Sessalja Stefansson (Garda, North Dakota). He was predeceased by his parents, his wife Ann, brothers Ellaf, Dale, Billy and his sister Evie.

Errol`s fondest memories were of his childhood farm life, riding the tractor harvesting the fields. He also enjoyed travelling playing baseball in his younger days. Errol also served a short time with the Navy stationed in Cornwallis, Nova Scotia.

Errol married his first love Enid (Banff) in Digby, N.S. and promptly moved her back to the farm. They enjoyed travelling and ended up living and working in many Canadian cities, having four beautiful children along the way. Errol loved his children deeply and after losing his second love Ann (Edmonton) he spent the last five years living in Banff to be closer to his two daughters.

He lived most of his life in Edmonton where, along with Ann and her four children, enjoyed their home life. He loved his long days at work at Nelson Lumber for over 40 years, only to retire at the age of 83.

He loved being a part of the community, hosting many a get together, volunteering and donating.

Errol was deeply loved and respected and will be missed by his children, Richard (Carol Ann) Victoria B.C.; Francine Milburn (Wayne), Banff; Craig, Calgary; Patricia (Banff) and son Darwin Foulds (previous relationship); stepchildren Garry (Brenda), Cochrane; Beverly (Dan); Gwenda (Jim); Judy (Ron) all of Edmonton. He is also survived by grandchildren Andre Girardin (Krista), Kelowna; Colette Poppenroth (Ryan), Calgary; Cassandra Olafson, Calgary; Devin Olafson, Toronto; Jeffrey Olafson, Victoria; Palle Girardin, Canmore; Roger (Shannon) Girardin, Saskatoon as well as great-grandchidren Bayley, Brookes, Hanna, Nikki, Palle Jr. and Tristen, all of whom were deeply loved.

A special thank you, with enormous gratitude, to the Acute Care Staff and all the Hospital staff at the Banff Mineral Springs Hospital for the loving care of "The Prince of Acute Care"` where our father spent over eight weeks. He was under the exceptional loving care of the best physician, Dr. Steve Shigeishi. Thank you ALL.

Errol was a true Icelander to the end, stoic, never complaining...a true gentleman.

Errol`s wish was to have you please join us in a Celebration of his Life on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 5pm in the Sherbrooke Community League Hall, 13008 - 122 Ave NW., Edmonton AB. Enjoy Errol`s favorite food and drinks. Please bring memories, pictures and lots of laughs.

Cremation has taken place. Errol`s service of interment was held at the Glenwood Memorial Gardens, Sherwood Park, Alberta prior to the Celebration Service

In lieu of flowers friends wishing to remember Errol are encouraged to make a donation, in his memory, to St. Martha`s Long Term Care memorial fund, Banff Mineral Springs Hospital, Box 1050 Banff, AB

T1L 1H7

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.