MELVIN IVAN OLSON

It is with great sorrow that the family of Mel Olson announces his passing, with his family at his side, on Saturday, June 4, 2011 at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Melvin was born May 9, 1948 in Rainy River, Ont. to Ivan and Anna Olson. Mel spent his younger years growing up in Arbor Vitae, Ont.
Mel’s first job was working in Nestor Falls, Ont. at Oltsher’s Market. Mel had various jobs throughout the district, including Mando (Woodlands Division) and as a marine mechanic in Morson, while residing in Stratton, Ont.
The love for his work and the lake led him back to Nestor Falls. In June, 1981, Mel and Candace purchased what is now known as Mel’s Marine and built it into a thriving business.
Mel and Candace worked side by side for 30 years and later were joined by their eldest son, Christopher.
Mel’s love was his work and his family. His passion was nature and his love for the outdoors. When he wasn’t working, you could find him hunting, trapping, snowmobiling, camping, or fishing with family or close friends nearby.
Very dear to his heart was the hours he spent at the cabin hunting and trapping with the children and grandchildren.
On Sept. 18, 1970, Mel married the love of his life and best friend, Candace Neilson, and together they raised their three children.
Mel will be deeply missed by his wife, Candace; children, Christopher (Jennifer), Tanya Johnson (Colin), and Neil (Krista); and his grandchildren, Anna, Caitlin, Emily, and Benjamin.
Mel also is survived by his siblings, Rose Bilton (Wally) of England, Sharon Washkowsky (Francis) of Saskatchewan, Ken (Bev) of Bergland, Ont., Bill (Mary-Ann) of Arbor Vitae, Ont., and Rocky (Cindy) of Bergland, Ont.
Also surviving are his mother-in-law, Vivian Neilson of Fort Frances, Ont.; sister-in-law, Linda Fadden (Bill); brother-in-law, Rick Neilson (Linda); and sisters-in-law, Betty Salchert (Wayne), Laurie Spanninga (Vic), and Faye Flatt (Kel).
He also leaves behind his nieces and nephews, Amanda, Justin, Erik, Jennifer, Theresa, James, Jeff, Lisa, Eunice, Brenda, Trudy, Curtis, Ken, Dan, Dena, Mark, Peter, Ron, Brent, Chrystal, Jolaine, Amy, and Jason.
Mel was predeceased by his parents, Ivan and Anna; brother, Ray; and father-in-law, Garnett Neilson.
Funeral services will be held Friday, June 10, 2011 at 2 p.m. at the Nestor Falls United Church in Nestor Falls, with Rev. Carl Emke officiating.
A luncheon will follow at the Nestor Falls Hotel.
The honourary pallbearers will be Ed Clark, Jerry O’Leary, Jim Ottoson, Jack Pope, Wayne Sandmoen, and Gordie Shrumm.
If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to Tamarack House (Thunder Bay Regional Hospital) or a charity of your choice c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com