OLFERT, EDWARD
Edward (Ed) Bernhard Daniel Olfert passed away peacefully in his Abbotsford, B.C. home on January 10, 2025, at the age of 82. He was born in the city of Swift Current, SK on December 7, 1942, to Abe and Mary Olfert and raised on a farm southeast of the city in the small community of McMahon.
Living on a farm in Canada in the 1940’s and 50’s came with the need for strong inter-dependent relationships within a community, challenges, lots of hard work and meagre pleasures beyond the basics. These experiences very much shaped who he was as a person.
As a son of immigrants to Canada, English was his second language with German the primary language spoken in his home and community. It wasn’t until he had to repeat grade one, due to his lack of English skills that his father declared it an English only speaking home so his kids could function more effectively in Canadian society.
After high school, he attended Bethany Bible Institute in Hepburn, SK for three years. His time at Bethany helped cement his personal mission in life which was to be a follower of Jesus. His constant hope and prayer was that everyone he came into contact with would know that God loved them so much that He sent His one and only son (Jesus) and that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
He had considered joining his dad as a full-time farmer, but instead he decided to forego that opportunity and in, 1966 he began Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPN) training at an institution for intellectually disabled in Moose Jaw called Valley View Centre. This profession fit him well as he was an incredibly caring and compassionate person and this role allowed him to deeply impact the lives of those he served, those he worked alongside and those he led as their supervisor.
By God’s design, in the summer of 1966 he met a beautiful young woman while working at Valley View Centre named Marg and after a brief courtship they were married on August 19, 1967. A little over a year later they started their family which would result in a household of four boys. As the family grew, he enjoyed watching and supporting his sons’ various activities and spent many years following them to their football and baseball games, while also coaching them in little league baseball. One of his greatest attributes that he passed on to his sons was his strong work ethic. He led by example, rarely asking for help, but the boys often found themselves competing for the chance to work alongside him, cherishing those moments as opportunities to connect and learn from their dad’s quiet strength and dedication.
In the 1990’s, in partnership with his brothers, sisters and cousin, he began to “hobby” farm with the land that had been passed down to him – doing so while still working at Valley View. He very much enjoyed having an opportunity to spend time with his family, enjoy time in God’s creation and participate in a wide variety of tasks around the yard and in the field.
In June 1997, his world changed dramatically when his wife experienced a debilitating stroke that placed him in the role of caregiver at home. From that moment forward he demonstrated to the world his commitment to his marriage vows and with integrity loved her in sickness and in health until death parted them in 2021 after 53 years of marriage. After his wife passed away, he publicly declared they had a great married life, and he wouldn’t have designed their journey any other way.
During his working years and 22 years of retirement, he loved to invest his time in his priorities which were relationships serving in the churches he attended and meeting the needs of others in a very humble and self-sacrificial manner. He especially loved getting out for breakfast or coffee with his friends.
Papa/Grandpa cherished time with his family, and one of his greatest joys was spending quality moments with his nine grandchildren. With boundless patience, he would spend hours playing baseball, football, hockey, or any game they imagined. Whether at hockey rinks, football or baseball fields, he was their biggest supporter, always cheering them on with pride. He never missed an opportunity to tell them how proud he was and to remind them of how much they were loved.
Reflecting on his life, it is evident that he was deeply loved and respected by many. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and colleague. His character shone through in his wisdom, kindness, patience, and joy, making him a peaceful and loving presence in the lives of those around him. He shared his musical talents and lived a life guided by a strong relationship with his God. Selfless and generous, he consistently put others before himself and left a lasting impact on everyone he encountered. Above all, he was a quiet example of living life with love and integrity. We are comforted knowing his legacy of love will live on in the many lives he touched. And there is no doubt the moment he arrived in heaven God declared, “Well done my good and faithful servant – welcome home.”
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Ed was pre-deceased by his wife of 53 years Marg (2021), his youngest son Aaron (2024), his parents Abe and Mary Olfert, his mother and father-in-law, Les and Mary Walter and sister-in-law, Joan Murray.
Mourning the loss of a father and grandfather are his sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren Ivan, Kimberley, Everett, Peyton and Amy Olfert of Saskatoon, SK; Vince, Lynette, Alex and Tyler Olfert of Tsawwassen, B.C.; Chris, Alissa, Leila, Nash, Odin and Finn Olfert of Moose Jaw, SK and Trena Olfert of Calgary, AB.
Mourning the loss of a brother are his siblings, their spouses, and his many nieces and nephews: Lawerence (Agnes) Olfert of Drumheller, AB; Eleanor (Ken) Schrag of East End, SK; Irwin (Jackie) Olfert of Lethbridge, AB; Mike (Betty) Olfert of Okotoks, AB; and Linda Olfert of Atlanta, Georgia.
Mourning the loss are his in-laws: Carol (Dennis) Evans of Moose Jaw; Ken (Vicki) Walter of Saskatoon; Barry (Tenny) Walter of Saskatoon; Brent (Anita) Walter of Calgary, AB; Lillian Sentes of Regina; Debbie Moore of Victoria; and Paul (Muriel) Calibaba of Kamloops, BC.
A Celebration of Life will take place in Abbotsford, BC at the Ross Road Community Church, Saturday, February 15 at 11 a.m. and will be live-streamed. A Memorial Service and Interment will occur in Moose Jaw at a date also to be announced later.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you send donations to Fraser Valley Gleaners where Ed volunteered on Thursdays since moving to BC. https://www.fvgleaners.org/donate
