Donald O. Olson

Donald Oscar Olson was born on November 4, 1947 in Preeceville, Saskatchewan to parents Oscar and Ruth (Olsen) Olson. To much surprise, he was joined a few minutes later by twin brother and life-long partner in crime, Delmar. Older brother Maynard and younger brother Lyndon rounded out the Olson family!

Dad’s deep connection to his hometown Sturgis began in childhood. Along with brothers, cousins and close friends, he could often be found building tree forts, swimming at the river, and spending time at Crystal Lake and family farms. He delivered papers, played saxophone in band and enjoyed army cadets, going away for camp and getting to enjoy so many activities outdoors.

Growing up, Dad told us about the mischievous antics of youth, be it rafting down the river, hunting with BB guns or bows and arrows and so on…though it must be said that he cautioned us to not do the same things when we moved back to Sturgis! Dad was known affectionately as “Little Donnie Olson” by family and friends, though by the time he returned to Sturgis later in life, this was a nickname he wanted behind him.

After graduating high-school from Sturgis Composite in 1966, he attended the University of Saskatchewan and Kelsey (SIAST), attaining a diploma in renewable resources, despite his tendency to party a bit much! During this time he worked with Highways as surveyor on Highway 1, was an orderly at Grey Nuns Hospital in Regina and labourer at Hudson Bay Mining & Smelting in Flin Flon.

When he was 23, he met Shirley Leigh, a young lady who lived in a suite in the same house where his younger brother, Lyndon, was renting. A few years later began dating and Dad, kind of infamously, on vacation from up north, when working as an explorer with Gulf Minerals and went directly on a Vegas trip with Del and did not even stop to see her. Despite this, they eventually married in 1975.

Early on, Dad established his reputation for his breakfasts, being the chief pancake maker for family events for decades! He also established a reputation for sharing his famous cocktail with guys in the family – lemon hart, pepsi and a twist of lime.

Dad and Mom moved to Yorkton where he worked for Ducks Unlimited. It was at this time that they became involved with the Kinsmen and Kinette clubs, enjoying helping those around them and even working Telemiracle 2. In 1978, they welcomed their first child, Kristian Oscar.

Through the late 1970’s and 1980’s the Olson brothers built a new cabin at Crystal Lake. Dad and his brothers devoted weeks of construction each year to this endeavour. It paid off with countless family get togethers and great meals over the decades at the lake. Times at the lake were definitely a highlight of his life!

In 1980, Dad and family moved to Lethbridge, Alberta, where Dad continued to work for Ducks Unlimited and then, as a realtor and part-owner of Astro Realty. In 1981, they welcomed their daughter, Linnea Leigh. Dad and Mom continued to participate in the Kinsmen and Kinette clubs during their time in Alberta, helping to raise funds for community needs and developing many close friendships.

In 1988, Dad moved back to Saskatchewan to resume his career with Ducks Unlimited in Wadena, Saskatchewan, working on the Quill Lakes Waterfowl Management Plan, which is a huge project that has conserved wetlands in that area. The rest of the family joined Dad, moving to Sturgis in 1989.

In 1991 Dad talked mom into buying the acreage on the edge of Sturgis, which became a labour of love. Dad enjoyed taming the woodland into the park it is today, cutting down his hated poplar trees, planting spruce and other tree and drinking a beer or two while mowing the yard.

Moving home to Sturgis is when dad really immersed himself into community involvement. He and mom resumed their involvement in the Kinsmen and K-ette clubs. Dad worked Mini-Miracle and played on the Sturgis Trash hockey team for many years! In 1991 he was elected as Alderman (i.e Counsellor) for the Town of Sturgis. He served in that capacity until 1997, at which time he was elected mayor until his first “retirement” in 2016. He ran again in 2020 and was mayor until he stepped down in 2023. During his time serving Sturgis, he proudly helped to improve the fiscal state of the town, built the new community hall, obtained funding for infrastructure including paving of the entire town and tirelessly worked to attract and support economic development.

As we have said before, there was scarcely a local board or committee in which he was not involved. Amusingly, he became so involved and had so many meetings, that one time, he was driving past the Kin-Hut one Wednesday evening and, thinking he had forgot about a meeting, went in. Well, I am sure the Kinettes did not let him forget that he tried to join their meeting that day!

He was involved in many local community organizations. He worked and then became the coordinator for the West-gate for the Sturgis Sports and Rodeo for many years. In time, he got more and more involved with the Grace United Church and the Preeceville-Sturgis Pastoral Charge, serving variously as Treasurer, Chairman, Choir Member—and famously, as grower of potatoes for the perogy fundraiser. He was also the Captain of the Army Cadet core in Sturgis.

Beyond Sturgis, he was actively involved in the Regional Economic Development Association, Assiniboine River and Watershed Associations, Crystal Lake Board and the North East Transportation Planning Committee. Through these associations, he continued to support conservation efforts, improve the economic state of the broader community and develop important friendships and professional networks.

In 2001, while working at the Hyas Alfalfa Plant, Dad sustained a life-changing injury, permanently causing the loss of the use of his right arm. While many would see this as a tragedy, he was always the optimist and used the time afforded to him as a result to spend time on the community involvement he so loved. His service to local and broader communities was recognized with the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal in 2005 and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2023.

A key focus of Dad’s later life was being a grandpa! Dad loved to spend time with Genevieve, be taking her on rides on the riding mower, going to see the horses across the road, watching TV or introducing her to eating fries and ketchup or sharing ice cream.

In 2022 Dad was diagnosed with skin cancer and successfully recovered. Unfortunately, in 2024, cancer was found again, ultimately causing his passing on March 22, 2025.

Don was predeceased by his parents, Oscar and Ruth (Olsen) Olson, and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. He leaves behind his wife Shirley, son Kristian, daughter Linnea (Jeremy Geyer), and treasured granddaughter Genevieve Geyer. He is also remembered by his brothers Maynard (Henda), Delmar (Shirley), and Lyndon (Sharon), along with numerous nieces and nephews, friends and colleagues. 

Dad’s life was one marked by dedication—to his family, his work, and above all, his community. Though he dearly wished to have more time be with us and come home, we take solace in the knowledge that he lived life the just the way he wished. For that we are grateful.