Martin Clifford Olson (Marty)

Obituary

Passed on

May 9, 1961 – December 12, 2025 

 It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Martin Clifford Olson, who left us after a long and difficult battle with COPD. He passed away peacefully at home on the evening of December 12, 2025, with his loving wife Wendy, by his side. 

Marty will be dearly missed by his wife Wendy, their sons Kris (Jennifer) and Brad (Kiersten), and his five grandchildren who were his pride and joy, Jessie, Hailey, Colt, Madelyn, and Remington.  He is also mourned by his in-laws, Brent and Peggy Armstrong, brother “in-law” Ron (Heather) Armstrong, sisters Marilyn Newton-Rourke (Jim), and Shelley Steinbeisser(Kevin), as well as his close friends Kerry and Lori Baldock. Marty is also survived by his nephews Kyle, Scott, and Brayden, and his nieces Courtlaind, Payton, Trista, and Taryn, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

• He was predeceased by his father Allan Olson & partner Donna Jones, mother Elaine Lamirande, and brother-in-law Phillip Newton. 

Marty graduated in 1979 and soon after met Wendy at a Catholic Church dance. Their love story began in 1980 and they were married in 1983, starting their family just two years later. Throughout his life, Marty held several jobs, beginning his career as a licensed butcher, then as an electrician, and later as a production planner. 

In his free time, Marty found great joy in the outdoors, particularly during hunting season. Whether he was in the bush with his sons, his father, or his friends, he was happiest pushing through thick brush or sitting quietly on cut lines. Marty was also deeply committed to his sons’ sports. He coached both Kris and Brad in hockey and baseball, attaining accreditation to coach up to the AA level in hockey. He also served as President of the Balmoral Minor Hockey Association for several years. During this time, Marty became an amateur journalist, regularly writing about his sons’ hockey team, Balmoral Bullets, for the local paper. 

 Marty also had a passionate love for Winnipeg’s sports teams and rarely missed a game, whether it was the Bombers or the Jets. A talented cook, he would often chase people out of his kitchen as he was “creating”. Above all, Marty’s greatest passion was his family. His love for them, combined with his strength and will to live despite his illness, is a testament to the kind of man he was. Marty’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. 

Our heartfelt thanks go to his doctors, Dr. Graham and Dr. Dymystryzn, and to Bryn, Kyla & the staff at Quarry Ridge Pharmacy for their exceptional care.  We cannot thank you enough.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date. 

 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Marty’s name to the Manitoba Lung Association.

Love you more than you know.

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