April 26, 1936 – January 16, 2026

Arthur Grenfell Olsen passed away peacefully with his wife at his side, on January 16, 2026, at the age of 89. He had been surrounded by his loving family since the holidays.

Arthur was a logger throughout his life, a trade he was deeply proud of and one that reflected his strong work ethic, resilience, and love of the outdoors. He found joy in fishing, logging, and, above all else, in the company of his family and friends. He loved socializing in Emo and Fort Frances, where he could talk for hours and make anyone feel welcome in his presence.

Some of Arthur’s happiest moments were spent at The Cabin at Clearwater Lake, surrounded by laughter, conversation, and the people he loved most. His grandchildren adored him, and he adored them right back. He was known for his nightly ice cream ritual and for the unmistakable twinkle in his eye and conspiratorial grin as he snuck treats to his grandchildren—moments that will forever live on in their hearts.

Arthur will be remembered for his warmth, his storytelling, his devotion to family, and his gift for making people feel seen and valued. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the love he gave so freely.

Arthur was predeceased by his beloved son Ronald Arthur Olsen; his cherished daughter Sherry Lynn Olsen VanHeyst; his mother Sylvia Olsen; his father Stengrim Olsen; his brothers Dean and Alfred (Shirley) Olsen; and his brothers-in-law David Barker and Stanley Sandmoen.

He is lovingly survived by his wife Ida Olsen; his daughter Tammy Snelgrove (Roderick); and his grandchildren Bobbi Olsen, Noelle Strain (Joel), Bradley Beninger (Crystal Burton), Aaron Olsen (Stacey Lee), Tyler Olsen (Shilah Harmer), Tanner Olsen, Michael Snelgrove (Jackie Pagnotta), and Cassandra Snelgrove (Zachary Lalime). He was a proud great-grandfather to Victoria Turnbull (Justin Haines), Ash Boan, Stephanie Boan, Cohen Strain, Griffen Strain, Jude Olsen, Gus Olsen, Ivy Pagnotta Snelgrove, Grayson Lalime, Bowen Olsen, and Zavier Lalime. He is also survived by his sisters Beverly Sandmoen and Evelyn Barker; sisters-in-law Lois and Bonnie Olsen; and his brother Paul Olsen.

Arthur is also survived by a large and loving family of siblings, nieces, and nephews, as well as a wide circle of dear friends around the world.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street, Thunder Bay.

Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com.