b. June 23, 1926 – d. January 23, 2024

Oliver passed away at Willow Creek Continuing Care on January 23, 2024, at an age of 97 years old. His family was with him in his final moments with his son’s Mike and Pete at his bedside and daughter Amy-Irene on the telephone. As many knew he wished to make it to 100 years of age (like his father).
He was predeceased by his father Oliver, his mother Amy, brother Frank, sister Margaret, and wife Joanna. He is survived by his three children: Amy-Irene (Edmonton), Michael (Calgary) and Peter (Pincher Creek).
He lived a remarkable and full life. Describing himself as an evangelically minded Christian with a liberal approach to ideas. He was greatly intrigued by all things past, present, and future. He loved to share his love of God. Through his inquiring mind he was continuously expanding his personal knowledge, adding to it through travel and education which he was always ready to share with others.
Oliver was born in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan and raised in Kitscoty, Alberta. He met his wife Joanna Irene Stewart while they were both attending the University of Alberta. They married on June 30, 1951.
He attended the University of Alberta starting in 1950. There he attained a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Divinity and was Ordained as a United Church Minister in 1953. His first Pastoral Charge was in Bonnyville and Cold Lake from 1953 to 1957. His second Pastoral charge was in Bentley from 1957 to 1962. He served the Claresholm-Stavely Pastoral Charge from 1962 to 1970. He resumed his formal education at the University of Lethbridge where he attained a Bachelor of Education in 1970. He went on to teach school at Claresholm Elementary School where he also served as Vice-Principal, and then Principal. He believed in Life Long Learning and served on the Life Long Learning Committee for the United Church until his health would no longer permit this. He and his wife Joey even attended a course in Rome!
He enjoyed serving his community. And served on many Presbytery committees throughout Alberta. He was a proud Rotarian. Also, a proud Mason and received his 70-year jewel. When his wife Joey was serving as worthy Matron of Eastern Star, he also joined that Order. He served on the local museum board. In 2003 he was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for his service to his community and Canada.
His other interests included collecting fossils, lapidary, history of mankind, solar exploration, archaeology, photography (35 mm, digital and video), stamp collecting, gardening, camping, hiking, and travel (he managed to travel to over 60 countries in his lifetime). This list only touches on the interests he enjoyed.
A celebration of his extraordinary life will be held on February 1, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. at the Claresholm United Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations may be made to the Claresholm Health Foundation https://cdhealth.ca/ in his memory.