John Alfred Wayne OLSON

Wayne was born in Kelvington, Saskatchewan to Daisy Olson (McCullum) and Emery Olson.

Most of Wayne’s younger life was spent growing up in Nanaimo and the surrounding areas of Vancouver Island. He was in the first graduating class of the Nanaimo High school, NDSS. Wayne left home to join the Royal Canadian Air Force and served for 10 years between Canada and Germany (1954-1964). Using his background in communications, he was hired by BC-Tel in Nanaimo. He had a full career and retired as a BC-Tel Pioneer working in both Nanaimo and Prince George. Wayne had two children, Sharry and Debbie with whom he shared his love of the outdoors. Wayne’s sense of humour always shined through with his wisecracks and pranks - you never messed with Roy Rogers. 

Wayne loved animals and sports, including baseball, basketball, and hockey. He also spent time hunting and fishing, spending many weekends with friends out at Popeye’s cabin in Corbin playing bocce. He cherished his time spent with his lifelong friends. Wayne’s passion for hunting and the outdoors was shared with his grandchildren. He settled down in Coleman with his partner, Barb Dolan. Wayne and Nana Barb loved the time they spent with their grand and great-grandchildren. They spent their winters in Yuma, AZ as snowbirds and their summers camping, fishing, and visiting with family in British Columbia and Alberta. Wayne enjoyed his last five years living at Lilac Terrace staying close to family. He spoke highly of the care he received at the Elk Valley Hospital in Fernie.

Wayne is survived by his daughters and their families:

Sharry and Carl Cimolini and Debbie and Dwight Beynon

Grandchildren and Great grandchildren:

Derek, Tanya, and Joey Cimolini; Brian, Melisa, Levi and Colbie Cimolini

Carla (Beynon), Brad, Luana, and Ada Minogue; Tamille and Syrus Beynon; Rob Beynon

Nieces: Kelly Peters and Lee Bastian (Helmsing)

Marjorie Gill, Mother of Sharry, and Debbie

He is Survived by Barb’s family, Laura Dolan-Fraser (Norm and Aaron), Les Dolan (Donna and Ashley)

Wayne was predeceased by his loving partner, Barbara Dolan and Sister, Faye Johnston (Helmsing, Olson)

With respect for Wayne’s wishes, no funeral service will be held.

“Other things may change us, but we start and end with family.”

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