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Olof Algot Nylander

June 29, 1917 – April 19, 2010


Passed away suddenly on April 19, 2010 from complications of an injury. He was born on June 29, 1917 on a homestead near North Battleford, Saskatchewan. He was the eldest of four children (sisters Elsie Knoll and Edna Smith and brother John) to Swedish immigrant parents, Peter and Sarah Nylander. His father died when Olof was 13 and his mother then married Jack Bolin and two more sisters followed (Ruth Nickerson and Betty Bolin).

Olof served in the 2nd Tactical Air Force, part of the 2nd British Army, during WW II as an aero engine mechanic from 1940-46. From the wartime experiences he was strongly impressed by the adventure, bravery and the exceptional service of all who served.

Upon his return to civilian life he resumed farming, married Elsie Bohn and raised five daughters. The family moved to Campbell River in 1964 where he worked at Elk River Timber and Elk Falls Pulp Mill. His pride in retirement years was his fourplex apartment along the ocean where he never tired of the beauty of the mountains and the ocean, but at heart he was always a farmer. His family appreciates the legacy of the countless hours he devoted to recording the history of his Swedish family and his life experiences, especially the early farming years which are fascinating times of a “bygone era”.

The centre of his universe were his five daughters. Doris (Gerry) Flinn, Evelyn Carruthers, Ruby (Stewart) Smeltzer, Karen (Hogie) McCrae and Norma Hansen (Jack Rhyno). He was also very pleased with his nine grandchildren and seven great grand children: Michele Nylander (Jaden), Stacey Flinn (Brittney, Griffin, Jacob), Suzanne and Paul Pattison (Eva), Conway Carruthers, Kaitlyn and Ashley Smeltzer, Kevin and Kari McCrae (Marcus and Kierra), Randy McCrae and Dane Hansen. He is survived by his former wife, Elsie Nylander and three sisters, Elise Knoll, Ruth Nickerson and Betty Bolin.

His integrity, honesty and hard working ethic was an example for all who knew him and he will be fondly remembered for his favourite line, which was accompanied with a firm handshake, “I wish you all the best”.

The family greatly appreciates the excellent care and personal attention he received at Yuculta Lodge where he lived for the past two years.

The funeral service will be held at the Elk Falls Cremation and Reception Centre Chapel Highway #28 at Elk Falls Cemetery, Monday, April 26, 2010 at 11 am, burial to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Yaculta Lodge, 555 2nd Avenue, Campbell River, V9W 3V1 in memory of Olof Nylander (Coastal Cottage) or a charity of your choice.



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