Graham MacLaren Olmstead
On March 27, 2019 Graham MacLaren Olmstead passed away peacefully at the age of 87.
Graham will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 64 years, Ardella, children Debra (Dan) and Rodd, grandchildren Andrew (Kerrie), Colin (Ashley), Hunter, Charlotte and Abby, great grandson Graham, siblings Alma, Lorne (Jeanette) and Murray (Gwen) as well as close friends Peter and Myrna.
At Graham’s request, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of his Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cross Cancer Institute, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, in Graham’s name.
He was a very honorably family man who proudly served 28 years in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Ardella, Deb, Dan and Rod
We were saddened to hear of Graham’s passing. Alma phoned us a couple of weeks ago, so we knew he was very low. He always had great stories to tell and Rick has very fond memories of him. We wish you strength, peace and know that he no longer suffers. Our sincere condolences to all your family.
Rick, Connie and family
Ardella,
My condolences to you and your family. Graham will always have a special place in our hearts.
My deepest sympathies to you all, so many wonderful memories, about 60 years worth. Always in our hearts, love to all, the King bunch
May you Rest In Peace Sir. Rodd and I have become close over the last year and I know how much this saddens his heart. #masterswarrior #gonebutneverforgotten
Dear Ardella and Family,
Our condolences to you and the family at this sad time.Please
know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely John and Anne Marr
Grandpa was a mythical, larger-than-life figure for me growing up. His years of service, his quiet stoicism, and the dignity with which he always carried himself was impressive to me in my youth when I did not have the words for it and remained so as I grew up and understood it better.
A well-read and thoughtful person, Grandpa was always familiar with the most recent events, local and global, and when he expressed a view, it was a considered one, unique to himself, based on his own careful consideration of the issues and his own values.
However, that was not to say that he was cold or distant. Far from it! He was always extremely warm and funny. Even as late as my last visit to Edmonton over the Christmas holidays, I always knew that a visit with Grandpa meant a table full of treats, great stories and lots of laughs.
I also have fond memories of my Grandfather, the character–the man who cultivated an absurdly large koi fish that he kept in shop over the winter, the man who gave all of his dogs over the years an excessive amount of treats against the advice of all vets, and the man who spent his free afternoons puttering about in charity shops looking for goofy knick-knacks and historical fiction.
In short, Grandpa was a model person in every respect. He can take pride in his accomplishments, both those written large–his military record–and those personal. Indeed, who could not find inspiration in the deep and passionate love he had for my Grandma.
If any of us can be said to have lived life well, it was him.
We are all going to miss him greatly.
Andrew Pelletier & Kerrie Bernard
Deepest sympathy to Ardella, Deb & Rodd on the loss of your husband and father.
Those of us left behind feel a profound sense of loss but take some solace in knowing that Graham led a long and full life and is now at peace.
Lorne
Aunt Ardella, Deb, Rod and families,
So sorry for the loss of Uncle Graham. My father always spoke of him with pride. Our condolences go out to all of you.
Love Lori (nee Olmstead) and Alex Encil (niece and husband)
Our deepest condolences. Our prayers and love go out to you and your family.
Love Rita Leite and Brytny Gordon
It is difficult to grasp the realty that Grandpa is gone.
We will never forget the lifetime of memories we were fortunate to share with him.
Love Ashley, Colin, and Graham Pelletier
We are so sorry for your loss and send love, hugs and prayers to you all.
It was an honour to have known such a remarkable man and he will certainly live on in our lives through our very fond memories.
Love,
Kim, Hunter, Charlotte & Abby
We are so sorry for your loss and send love hugs and prayers to you all.
It was an honour to have known such a remarkable man and he will certainly live on in our lives through our very fond memories.
Love,
Kim, Hunter, Charlotte & Abby
My sincerest condolences to everyone in the family and to all those that knew and loved Uncle Graham. I have memories of a very kind hearted man with gentle smile.
Dear Ardella, Deb & Dan, Rodd and famillies:
I was so saddened to hear of Grahams passing. My sincere condolences to you all. I enjoyed visiting with him at Dan and Deb’s house this past summer. He will be greatly missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray for strength and comfort at this very difficult time Ardella.