OLAR, George

May 23, 1928 - April 9, 2024
 
Our adored Dad passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at the FJ Davey Home on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 in his 96th year. 
 
Beloved husband of the late Ruth Olar (nee Bennett). Precious and loving father of Karen & John Morrison and Gary & Wendy Olar. Cherished Papa to Melissa Morrison (Brian Veldt) and Sarah Wierzbicki (Paul). Cherished Grandpa to Geoff Olar (Rita), Amy Kasubeck (Tyler) and Kyle Olar (Julia Hancott). Proud Great Papa to David, George, Emma and Jacob Wierzbicki. Proud Great Grandpa to Elena & Andy Olar, McKinley & Kennedy Kasubeck. Loyal brother of the late Bill Olar, late John Olar (late Dorothy), late Dorothy Burke (late Albert), late Helen Ambeault (late Ray), late Walter Olar (Isabell), late Michaelo Olar, late Dan Olar (late Gertie), late Paul Olar (late Pat), late Pauline Pallot (late Lawrence), late Charlie Olar (late Leona), Anne Derkach (Ed), late Eli Olar (Faye), late Marion Olar, Carolyn Strong (late Walter), late Nellie Loney (Stan), late Harry Olar, and Nick Olar (Janice). Dear brother-in-law to June Beaton & Ronnie Bennett.  Special uncle to Dawna Kinnunen. Predeceased by his parents Fred and Maria Olar. Uncle George was loved and respected by many nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews.
 
Dad was born at home on the Glendale farm which he loved and remembered fondly throughout his life. Dad’s first love of sports was baseball and it was where he met the love of his life, Ruth, at the North Street baseball field where he would watch her play softball. Since one of his brothers was dating Mom’s sister, a blind date was set up by George to meet Ruth. An innocent smelt fishing trip led to Mom and Dad’s ultimate wedding in October of that same year (1958). Dad became Mom’s caregiver in her later years, never leaving her side.
 
George began his career at the Sault Ste. Marie Board of Works in 1964 as an operator and retired in 1993 as a General Foreman. He was known as a hard working, dedicated and friendly man by his former co-workers. Dad was an avid Greyhound fan holding season tickets for many years.  He spent many volunteer hours at the Soo Pee Wee Hockey arena as a hockey dad, coach, arena convener, Board Director and time clock operator.  He loved volunteering and mentoring at the arena.
 
George’s love of Goulais River was undeniable. A true blue Goulaisgan! He and Ruth built a camp/summer home and spent more than 30 years enjoying time with his siblings, the annual baseball game in Aunty Isabell’s field, helping Walter on the farm, swimming off the sandbar, celebrating summer birthdays, campfires and good old fashioned family time.
 
Our heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated and caring staff on the 2nd floor, Birch Lane for his many years of care at the Davey Home. Special thanks to Julie and Tina for helping our family cope through his final days. Our gratitude to all that have helped our father throughout his final journey in life.
 
We were so blessed to have such a wonderful, loving and dedicated Dad. 
 
“Where there is great love, there is great loss”
 
A private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations (payable by cheque or online) to Soo Pee Wee Hockey Arena would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street E. 705-759-2522). Expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Olar family.