Garry Olds

Garry (“Jummer”, Dad, Grandpa) was born on December 15, 1943, in High River, Alberta.  He passed away at the age of 79 on December 8, 2023, at the Peter Lougheed Centre in Calgary due to complications from Parkinson’s Disease.

Garry will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Pamela; their two daughters, Nancy (Don) Friesen and Bonnie (Trevor) Pelletier; his 6 grandchildren, Austin Pelletier, Eric Friesen, Ben Friesen, Rachel Friesen, Mattea Pelletier and Jonah Friesen; his sisters, Joan (Morris) Purnell and Doreen (Wayne) Stretch; and his nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his dad, George Olds; his mom, Mildred Olds (nee: Tindall); his niece, Theresa Roy (nee: Sallans); his sister, Eva Sallans; and his brother-in-law, Gordon Sallans.

Dad grew up in the neighbourhood of Montgomery in Calgary, Alberta, the oldest child and only son of George and Millie.  He was big into sports – hockey, bowling and baseball.  He was a pitcher, was scouted for a junior baseball team, but a shoulder injury prevented him from moving forward.

He and Mom married in October 1965, and soon after moved to Airdrie where they bought a lot at 129 First Street for $500.  Dad, with help from his dad, built the home Nancy and Bonnie grew up in.

Dad worked as a concrete mixer driver in Calgary for 33 years until he and Mom retired and moved to Scotch Creek, BC where they enjoyed life in the Shuswap and were “on vacation every day”.  His kids and grandkids have great memories of, and always looked forward to visiting Grandma and Grandpa’s place in the summer. 

Mom and Dad made wonderful friends during their time in BC.   We’d be remiss if we didn’t extend a huge thank you to Phyllis and Brian Shrum, Al and Ann-Marie Hamilton, and Doug and Joanne Prigmore, who helped Mom and Dad out immensely during their last few years in BC when Dad’s health declined due to Parkinson’s.

In accordance to his Will, Dad’s remains have been cremated and will be spread at Copper Island.  A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date.  He also stated that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the North Shuswap Christian Fellowship Church in Scotch Creek https://www.nscfchurch.org/giving