Jack Hardy Olson was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a great friend to so many. He was kindhearted, compassionate, and always looked for the good in people. Jack loved his family, Church, and friends.
Jack passed away quietly in his sleep on January 26, 2024 in Magrath, Alberta. He was born to John and Donna (Hardy) Olson on August 26, 1930 in Stirling, Alberta, where he grew up. He had two sisters, Barbara and Peggy. Jack loved them both dearly, and he made time to travel and visit both regularly.
Jack served an honorable mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New Mexico and Arizona from 1950 - 1953. He met his eternal wife and best friend, Marlene Whitehead in Calgary. They married in the Cardston Alberta Temple on July 28, 1954. Jack was predeceased by his sweetheart on January 30, 2022. Jack and Marlene had five children: Thomas Olson, Stephen (Barbara) Olson, Michael (Deborrah) Olson, Colette (Mark) Williamson, and Brad (Trina) Olson. Grandpa Jack had 31 grandchildren (with two deceased) and 63 great grandchildren. You’d typically find Jack spending time with his family, often cooking his famous burgers or hotcakes or pouring his “better than Dairy Queen” chocolate sauce on ice cream. His Christmas tradition of making his famous Almond Crunch has been passed on to his posterity.
Jack loved people and never met a stranger. By simply calling a server by name and giving that famous smile of his, Jack always made everyone feel like they were his friend. What a gift he shared with everyone he met.
Because of that gift, he went into a career that allowed him to inspire and give continually – he taught high school for 33 years. Students in Rosemary, Claresholm, Calgary, and Lethbridge Collegiate Institute were blessed to have Mr. Olson as a teacher. Everyone loved Mr. Olson. His kind heart spoke to everyone.
In his younger years, Jack was a gifted athlete, excelling in baseball, hockey, and track and field. Jack was also an avid basketball fan. He rarely missed watching a BYU basketball game. That made his heart so happy! Throughout his career he coached many high school basketball girls’ teams and won several provincial titles.
All through his life, Jack was dedicated to the Church. He served in many capacities, including leadership callings, teaching seminary, and serving in the temple. He loved the Lord with all his heart.
The family would like to thank the staff at AgeCare Columbia in Lethbridge, Extendicare in Fort Macleod, and Garden Vista in Magrath for their dedication and compassion in caring for Dad during his declining years. We will miss our dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa and we know that he will live in our hearts forever. Until we meet again.
A Private Family Service will be held, with interment in the Claresholm Cemetery.
Click to Send the Family Condolences
Jack passed away quietly in his sleep on January 26, 2024 in Magrath, Alberta. He was born to John and Donna (Hardy) Olson on August 26, 1930 in Stirling, Alberta, where he grew up. He had two sisters, Barbara and Peggy. Jack loved them both dearly, and he made time to travel and visit both regularly.
Jack served an honorable mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New Mexico and Arizona from 1950 - 1953. He met his eternal wife and best friend, Marlene Whitehead in Calgary. They married in the Cardston Alberta Temple on July 28, 1954. Jack was predeceased by his sweetheart on January 30, 2022. Jack and Marlene had five children: Thomas Olson, Stephen (Barbara) Olson, Michael (Deborrah) Olson, Colette (Mark) Williamson, and Brad (Trina) Olson. Grandpa Jack had 31 grandchildren (with two deceased) and 63 great grandchildren. You’d typically find Jack spending time with his family, often cooking his famous burgers or hotcakes or pouring his “better than Dairy Queen” chocolate sauce on ice cream. His Christmas tradition of making his famous Almond Crunch has been passed on to his posterity.
Jack loved people and never met a stranger. By simply calling a server by name and giving that famous smile of his, Jack always made everyone feel like they were his friend. What a gift he shared with everyone he met.
Because of that gift, he went into a career that allowed him to inspire and give continually – he taught high school for 33 years. Students in Rosemary, Claresholm, Calgary, and Lethbridge Collegiate Institute were blessed to have Mr. Olson as a teacher. Everyone loved Mr. Olson. His kind heart spoke to everyone.
In his younger years, Jack was a gifted athlete, excelling in baseball, hockey, and track and field. Jack was also an avid basketball fan. He rarely missed watching a BYU basketball game. That made his heart so happy! Throughout his career he coached many high school basketball girls’ teams and won several provincial titles.
All through his life, Jack was dedicated to the Church. He served in many capacities, including leadership callings, teaching seminary, and serving in the temple. He loved the Lord with all his heart.
The family would like to thank the staff at AgeCare Columbia in Lethbridge, Extendicare in Fort Macleod, and Garden Vista in Magrath for their dedication and compassion in caring for Dad during his declining years. We will miss our dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa and we know that he will live in our hearts forever. Until we meet again.
A Private Family Service will be held, with interment in the Claresholm Cemetery.
Click to Send the Family Condolences