In Loving Memory of
Milford Olson
May 18, 1930 – October 6, 2022
Funeral Service on Saturday, October 22, 2022
1:00 PM PDT
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
3789 Royal Oak Ave, Burnaby, BC
Watch a recording of the live stream
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Milford Olson passed away peacefully on October 6. 2022. He was born at Whitewood SK on 18 May 1930 to Ole and Barbara Olson (nee McKee). He was raised on the family farm and attended Percival school, living in the midst of caring relatives in that community that included his dearly-loved grandmother Carolyn Olson. He was a member of the 4H calf club and enjoyed doing chores and helping with every aspect of farm life. He and brother Clifton eventually took on full responsibility for the farm when their parents went to BC for the winter months.
He responded to the call of the gospel at age eleven, while attending a series of meetings held in Percival School by Arleigh Affleck and one of his fellow-workers. This gave Milford an anchor in his life when he left home at sixteen years, first working on a farm at Rocanville SK, and then at various places in Alberta, including with Albert Colter in a mine prop camp at Cochrane. He eventually arrived in Vancouver, where he learned the plastering trade. He was welcomed as a boarder at the Walter Cormick home and later at the Bessie Gale home. He had a lot of contact with other young friends from SK who had moved to BC, some seasonally and others permanently.
In 1950 Milford’s direction in life was again altered by God, when he was moved to serve as a spiritual shepherd and evangelist following the pattern of the New Testament ministry. After spending five years in this work in BC, Milford felt moved to go to Sweden, where he learned the language and with others, continued the same work that he had been dedicated to in Canada, until he returned to Canada in 1959 due to ill health.
On September 19, 1961, Milford married Phyllis Scott, and they made their home in Calgary AB. It was during their time there that their daughter Valori was born in 1962. They had a number of moves in the years that followed, settling in British Columbia in Dec 1966; their son Timothy was born in New Westminster in 1967. Burnaby became their long-term home in Dec. 1968: they lived on Holdom Avenue for 42 years. During that time, Milford’s occupation was truck driving, primarily for Arrow Transportation Systems, and this took him throughout much of North America, including as far south as California and Texas, as far east as Montreal, and as far north as Alaska, Yukon and the Northwest Territories. During these trips, he enjoyed contacting friends and acquaintances along the way, stopping for coffee-shop encounters or for longer ‘lay-over’ periods.
Milford loved to entertain friends in his home, and music was often included: he enjoyed playing the steel guitar, piano, autoharp, accordion, vibraphone and harmonica. For many years, his greatest joy was in welcoming a group of believers to his home on Sunday mornings for fellowship gatherings. When they moved from their house in 2010, Milford very much appreciated the neighbourly atmosphere at 5280 Oakmount Crescent.
Milford was predeceased by his parents, his brother Clifton, and his sister Lucille. He is survived by his wife Phyllis; daughter Valori (Brent) Manary, and grandchildren Daniel, Daryl (Erica), Michelle, and David (Ashley); also six great-grandchildren; and son Timothy (Paige) and children Sierra and Fraser. Also surviving are his sister-in-law Esther Olson of Regina SK, brother-in-law Lloyd Scott (Ruth) of Bredenbury SK, and sister-in-law Bernice (Don Eagle) of Parksville BC. He is also warmly remembered by Wendy Zou of BC and China, who was as a dear daughter for him.
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Love and sympathy to each of you. I have special memories of times with you and your family, It was so good to get the service live stream.
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Thank you for the memorable service for our late brother !!
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Dear Phyllis…I’m sending you my love and comfort. I have many good memories of Milford…he was special to Mom and Dad when he was in the work… then we enjoyed always hearing where he was driving …then the thrill when he married you!!
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lovely to watch & listen
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My sympathies to you Phyllis, Val, Tim and your families. Milford packed a lot into his time & touched many hearts along the way. I thank him for trusting his Maker for directions & showing joy & contentment.
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I remember you fondly from when I was just a little girl , it was good to look up to you , thank you and bless your memory and family
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Dear Olson family. I have valued memories of you folks from our days in Burnaby too and of Milford’s folks in Victoria. We always had great visits with your family, and you, and all of us will miss him!
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Dear Olson family,
Thinking of you all and sending our sincere sympathy.
We will all miss Milford and his steady example.
Love Bevan & Lenore
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Dear Phyllis and your Family, It has been years since we have seen you, but our late dad (Fred) always spoke so highly of his cousin Milford. The funeral was such a wonderful tribute to his life…our hearts go out to you all, with these earthly ties being broken.
Sincerely,
Darrell & Helene Kostenuk
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Nice to read of Mel’s life’s journey.
I travelled with Mel from Vancouver to Anaheim C. A in the Freight-liner ( 1981 ) and enjoyed his company and stories.
I have photos of the trip if anyone plans making a photo album.
Regards Philip Brough NZ
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Have always valued being in Milford and Phyllis’s home from the early 80’s and the very warm hospitality and care that was always shown to all. I have also always been inspired by Milford’s zeal and love for God and His Way.
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Dear Phillis, Val, and Tim,
You are in my thoughts often in recent days. I was able to view and listen to the entire service from my house in California via streaming, and saw many familiar faces. Really appreciated that. I well remember the fellowship meetings with you and Mr. and Mrs. Scott at the McGregor’s on Sunningdale Rd in Burnaby, when the Lu family first arrived in Canada in 1967. It was my privilege to meet with Phillis and Milford these past 20 Years whenever I visited my mother. It has been a long journey for all of us and many have completed the journey and gone to their rewards. May God keep us all faithful and complete our own journey.
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Sincere condolences to the Olson family I went to MIlfords for meeting.
He was a very caring man to all of us. He will be missed but has made it
home
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You will sure be missed in the meetings Milford but the memory of your helpful words and spirit will live on.. A sister Ruth.
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Thinking of you Phillis, Val and Tim. I was able to view and listen to the entire service from my house in California via streaming, and see many familiar faces. Really appreciated that. I well remember the fellowship meetings with you and Mr. and Mrs. Scott at the McGregor’s on Sunningdale Rd in Burnaby, when the Lu family first arrived in Canada in 1967. It was my privilege to meet with Phillis and Milford these past 20 Years whenever I visited my mother. It has been a long journey for all of us and many have completed the journey and gone to their rewards. May God keep us all faithful and complete our own journey.
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The service was great how he deserved
Sonia
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Dear Phyllis and family,
It was so special to join you today for Milford’s service. We have many fond memories of spending time with you both. We always appreciated having fellowship meetings at your place and other visits/gatherings. You are in our thoughts.
Hugs,
Woody and Lillian
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Dear Phyllis, and All your family ~ Many caring thoughts have gone to each one of you in recent days. We appreciated very much entering into the service on-line, this afternoon, for our “friend-to all”, Milford. He was a part of our childhood memories. And then in pursuing years, his warm friendly smile and handshake was always so genuine. His faithful life inspires us to also finish in the race, and reach the goal.
Love, Don & Edith-Anne Clegg
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Dear Phyllis, Tim and Valori and families, our love and sympathy are with you all, as you say goodbye to Milford – much loved husband, dad, and granddad. We have many happy memories of visits in past years., and may your memories of Milford be a treasure and a comfort in the coming days.
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Lovely service. Thinking of you Phyllis and family. Our family remembers the good time we had with you a few years ago. I’m so glad we had that time together.
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To the family: I remember coming to Wed. meeting evening with my children and be welcome. Love took him home.
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Dear Phyllis and family,
Thinking of you at this time and know that Milford will be dearly missed by so many. I really enjoyed the privilege of getting to meet with you both for a time on Sunday morning. Milford was such an encouragement to all.
Love,
Laura and Stephen Alexander
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Dear Phyllis and family
The thoughts are with you today
warm comfort greetings from Sweden
Maria Wirgén
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We are thinking of you all there today as you remember and say farewell to a special man.
Take care.
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I have known Milford since he was in the work in our field and I was a young person living in Williams Lake. He will be greatly missed. My condolence to the family
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Our thoughts are with you all. Sincerely condolences.
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Our dear Phyllis and family: We so appreciate our friendship and fellowship through the years after coming to the lower mainland as teenagers! Milford was a great visitor who had many encouraging stories to share….we always loved our times together! Thank you for opening your home to all of our children too! You will miss dear Milford, but as you go on , may memories of his faithful example comfort you as it will us! Sorry we can’t be present at the service, but will be there in spirit as we watch online. With much love to you and yours. Murray and Maryalice and family
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We got acquainted with Milford and Phyllis since 2013, we really wish we could know them earlier! During these years we learned quite a lot about “love” from their example. We need to work harder in God’s Way in the years to come since we had received much of their love.
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Some of us did not know Milford well but surely liked what we did experience of his heartiness and contentment. You Phyllis will have much you can dwell on……may good days be yours.
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Dear Phyllis and Family,
Thinking of your all so much and sure feel for your loss. We think of Milford’s smiley face, his friendship to our Grandparents and his faithful finish.
With love, Tammy
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Dear Phyllis, Tim, Valerie and families,
Our thoughts go your way often these days. We treasure our special memories of the many times we got together and enjoyed listening to Milford’s amazing musical talent. His care and kindness he shared so graciously with so many. He will be dearly missed but glad he has left us with a wonderful example to follow.
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Sending warm thoughts to the Olson family. In my early teens when Milford went to Sweden we wrote to each other. He of course to encourage a young life. When he returned, we never lived close, but when we did meet, we’re always greeted with that warm friendly smile and care. Phyllis, Val and Tim, how wonderful to have such a wonderful husband and dad. We’ll all miss him, but always remember his example.
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Sending sincere sympathy and thoughts of love and kindness to you Phyllis and family. Life’s work well done. Milford reached out to many and will be missed by many.
With care and sympathy,
Victor & Sandra Olsen (Fedirchuk)
Sharon Fedirchuk
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Our condolences to Phyllis and Valori and Tim and the families with Milford’s passing. Milford and Phylis lived in Elaine’s parents home in Calgary for a short time in the 1960’s. Then Milford came with his truck and helped us with a move in Coquitlam in 1970. Many good memories!
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Hugs to you all – Brent & Val and family – as you gather to remember someone you loved! Dean & Holly and family
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Milford was a friend, a rock and a feeder to the hungry in the meetings. We feel the loss with the family
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Deepest sympathy to you Phyllis and all your family. I knew Melford first when he was at Salmson Arm for preps many years ago. Good Memories. I know he will be sorely missed. Surely thinking of all of you! Love to all. Violet Nelson
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thinking of you so much, both Val and Timothy and families…and phylis…you will miss him a lot…the last goodbye is hard…lots of love your way
Nina Falls
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THANK YOU PHYLLIS FOR YOUR PHONE CALL THE OTHER DAY.. YES THANK YOU FOR BEING DANDY COUSINS & VERY HOSPITABLE FRIENDS OVER THE YEARS !! YOU WILL BE COMFORTED IN YOUR LOSS IN THE “FAITH” & YOUR FAMILY OF TIMS & VALS CLOSE BY , OUR CARE.. MAC & ELEANOR SINCLAIR
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Thank you, Phyllis, for letting me know of Milford’s passing into his new life. Though we lost touch with you, Mel and I kept in our hearts the love and kindness you both gave to us. Mel spoke so often of Milford as being a man so authentic and honest, that he wished he had known him longer, but glad that God sent him to be his friend. My condolences to you and all your family, with love and respect, Barbara.
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Thinking of you, Phyllis, Val, and Tim so very often these days. Always loved your dad’s warm greeting every time we saw him at gospel meeting. Sending you all lots of love.
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Our hearts go out to you Phyllis as you suffer separation from your better half & to Val & others in the family as you bid farewell to a very dear Dad & Grandpa. Milford fortunately lived for this day & lived in such a way that would encourage us to prepare for our eternal home too.
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Milford and Phyllis were some of the first to welcome and befriend us newlywed, new immigrants to Canada in October 1975. So thankful for their care as we began a new life together in the Vancouver area.
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Dear Phyllis and Family,
The warrior is home from the battle, his shield is hung up in victory.
We rejoice with you all on Milford’s faithful finish..
As the truckers say” He’s pulled his last load”
Fondest memories and lots of love and condolences.
Robbie and Elva Stapleton
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Sincere condolences to Val and the rest of the family from Eldon and myself.
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So sorry for your loss Phyllis and family. Milford was a lovely man and spiritual rock. My condolences.
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Milford is fondly remembered as we met together for almost all of my years growing up in Burnaby! Soft spoken with a warm strong handshake. His bark has now crossed to the other shore which was the harbour that he lived for. Condolences to family and close friends.
with love,
Norwood
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Mitford came to live with us when I was a little boy. He was a special, older brother to me all his life. I looked up to him, admired and loved him as brothers do. He left behind his guitar with us when he went into the ministry. It became my first guitar. He often spent a night or two with us (me, Pat and children) in Houston when his truck brought him there. We’d always share memories and music, and meetings when the timing worked out. We ended up living far away from each other but he’s never really been far away. Many of my favorite songs were his favorite songs. Having to say goodbye to Milford and recently to so many of his contemporaries that lived with us during my youth has been very sobering, but their steady and true examples live on.. Our love and thoughts are with you Phyllis and kids and grandkids and great-grandkids.
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My thoughts have been with you all since hearing of Milford’s passing. I have good memories from way back. It’s wonderful to think that he is safely home. Now the rest of us need to make it too.
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Our connections with Milford & Phyllis go way back for both of us – all part of our heritage in this great family. Milford has gone on to his eternal heritage in victory for which we give thanks and take courage. Our condolences to all the family.
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Milford we always appreciated your warm smile and kindness, Our thoughts go to your family wishing them love and comfort with your departure ,
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Thinking of you Phyllis, Val, Tim and your families these days. I have been so grateful for the loving welcome of your home over many years. The last visit just before Covid was special, to get to stay with Milford and Phyllis for 3 days. Milford shared so many memories from his days in the work in Creston / Cranbrook area those many years ago. Milford has left the wonderful gift of a faithful life for us all. Feel so grateful for the deep respect I feel for Milford’s service to God and help that he has been to myself and many others over the years.
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Dear Phyliss, Val and family , Tim and family …
My thoughts and prayers are with you folks .I am Glad I have the privilege to listen to the service …
Milford was always a special
Encouragement to
Us as servants … we often find there is an extra bond with those whom have spent some years in the work . it is very encouraging to me
To see the same
Spirit in the children …. I know that God is very near to you all these days . We have comfort that Milford is resting with God .