Community pillar, WWII veteran Alice Olson passes away at 102
By Abigail Popple, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, RMG
The Robson Valley’s oldest resident and one of Canada’s last WWII veterans Alice Olson peacefully passed away last week at 102 years old, surrounded by family and friends.
Olson joined the army in 1943 and served in Red Deer and Calgary. She went on to become a founding member of the Valemount Legion, Branch 266. Last fall, then-MLA Shirley Bond awarded Olson the King Charles III Coronation Medal, recognizing her for her service to Canada and the Robson Valley.
Having moved to Valemount in 1956, Olson was one of the community’s earliest members. She and her husband built two houses in the village, and she lived in her 6th Avenue home her entire life. She had 11 children who went on to have 33 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren – 67 family members spanning three generations.
Beyond her significant contributions to the community, Olson will be remembered for her shining personality, said Valemount Mayor Owen Torgerson in an email to The Goat.
“Alice Olson gave the best hugs and always had a smile that would light up every room. Her cribbage prowess was legendary and her quick, yet graceful use of a BINGO dabber could make you question your own existence,” Torgerson wrote. “She was a cornerstone of this community and a celebrated Canadian hero. She will be missed. I encourage anyone to learn more about Alice through the War Museum located in the Royal Canadian Legion, Valemount Branch 266.”
Likewise, MLA Rosalyn Bird remembers Olson as an example of loyalty and community service.
“It’s always sad to lose somebody from our community and from our country that has direct experience and understands what the true meaning of living in a democratic country [is] and made sacrifices in order for that to continue,” Bird said. “I wish I could thank her for her service one last time.”
She added that she hopes Olson’s family continues to find joy in their memories of her, and she believes Olson’s impacts on Valemount will leave a positive legacy behind.
President of the Valemount Legion Branch 266 Pete Pearson said Olson supported the local branch for 58 years, and highlighted that she was a founding member of the Ladies’ Auxiliary.
“Alice was very proud of her service and never missed a Remembrance Day ceremony and continued to place a wreath honouring Fallen Veterans at last year’s ceremony at 101 years of age,” Pearson wrote in a statement. “Alice’s service, humility and that smile will always be remembered.”
Olson’s family declined to comment.
