Obituary of Barry Olsen

With profound sadness, the family of Barry Olsen announces his passing at the Pasqua Hospital on Monday, March 21, 2011, one month before his 65th birthday and exactly nine years to the month of his heart transplant. Barry was born in Estevan to Harold and Gladys Olsen, and grew up in Bromhead, SK. He was predeceased by his parents, special aunt and uncle, Gordon and Edna and cousin Donald Forester. He was devastated by the sudden loss of his daughter, Trudy in November of 2008. Barry is survived and will be dearly remembered by: his wife of 39 years, Lynne; son James (Jeannette) and grandson Tommy and step-grandson Terry; Trudys children, Taylor, Tanner and Brayden of Des Moines, Iowa and in-laws, Ron and Dawn Wilson of Oshawa, Ontario. He is also survived by cousins, Robert, Regina and Bryan Forester and Donalds wife, Donna. Barrys strongest passion was hockey. Fondly nicknamed Oly the Goalie? for all his hockey days, he played for the Regina Caps, Estevan Bruins and moved to the Toledo Blades, a USA international team. Later in life, he enjoyed playing with the Regina Thistles in the Old-Timers League. Barrys health issues began at age 39 with his first heart attack, followed by two more at age 42. He suffered a stroke in 1996 and underwent a successful emergency heart transplant in 2002 in Edmonton. After another stroke in November 2009, Barry required long term care. Funeral Service will be held at Westhill Park Baptist Church, 8025 Sherwood Drive, Regina on Thursday, March 24, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. David Simpson officiating. Interment will be at a later date in Bromhead, SK. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. V. Gebhardt, Dr. G. OByrne, Dr. W. Lok and most recently, Dr. M. Ene and the very kind and compassionate staff of 3D at the Pasqua Hospital. Also thanks to all the staff at Parkside Extendicare North Wing for all their excellent care in the last year of Barrys life. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Barry may be made to the Hope Transplant Program, University of Alberta Hospital, 8440 112th Street, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com Please dont take your organs to Heaven -- Heaven knows we need them here.?