JOHANN (JOE) DENNIS OLAFSON

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our loved one Joe. He passed away peacefully on September 18, 2017 at the age of 80.

He leaves cherishing his memory his wife, Carol; son Paul (Tanis) and son-in-law Darrell; grandchildren Cam and Katie, Sara and Jordan. He was predeceased by his parents Johann and Jona; father and mother-in-law Sam and Anna Goodman; brother-in-law Arthur; daughter Leanne and grandson Matthew.

Joe was born on June 24, 1937 in Selkirk, Manitoba. Upon graduating high school, he commenced working with his dad in the family plumbing business. He worked there for a short term before taking on employment with Abex Industries Ltd. Joe served many years as the plant’s Assistant General Manager, helping to keep the steel foundry successful for Selkirk. Joe retired in 1999 after 42 years of faithful service.

Joe enjoyed many years as a member of the Selkirk Golf and Country Club, enjoying many years of golf with Butch, Ernie and Paul, the Fabulous Fore! He enjoyed the annual trip to the famous International Golf Tournament, contributing to the bridging of strong diplomatic relations between the United States and Canada.

He was an active community member through his activities with the Selkirk Evangelical Lutheran Church and Kinsmen. He was most proud, though, being associated with the annual Internationally Famous Selkirk Sportsmen’s Dinner. Joe was one of the last two original attendees of the dinner, missing his first dinner earlier this year while recovering from surgery. What began with 100 attendees has grown to nearly 250 attendees this past year (52nd Annual). The Selkirk Sportsmen’s Dinner, primarily focused on supporting local individuals and organizations in need, has given back thousands of dollars to the community.

Joe positively touched the lives of everyone he was connected with. Everyone loved Joe’s kind, gentle and positive disposition and Joe considered everyone a friend. He never had a bad word about anyone. Above all, the most important thing to Joe was his family. He was very active in the lives of his children and gladly did the same for his grandchildren. He loved them so much.  

A service to celebrate Joe’s life will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. in the Gilbart Funeral Home in Selkirk, Manitoba.

Donations can be made to the Selkirk Evangelical Lutheran Church – Property Improvement Fund (PO Box 65, Selkirk MB, R1A 2B1) in his memory.

We will love you forever and you will always be with us. You are so loved and missed.

Góða nótt elskan

Condolences may be left atwww.gilbartfuneralhome.com

Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

 Service Information