RALPH ANDREW OLSON

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RALPH ANDREW OLSON Ralph passed away peacefully on Monday, September 13, 2004 in St. Boniface General Hospital following a lengthy illness. He was born in Winnipeg on June 23, 1926, the younger son of Elin and Andrew Olson. He grew up in St. James and attended Assiniboine School and St. James Collegiate. He was a loyal member of Royal Canadian Air Cadets and joined the RCAF in wartime, just before he was 18. He served from 1943 to 1945, seeing service in Canada and England. He later rejoined in peacetime, serving from 1946 to 1959. He had a long-time interest in guns and armaments first working as a hobby, which resulted in starting his own business, Ballistics Services which did ordnance consulting, instructional service and firearms appraisals. He taught Gunsmithing I and Gunsmithing II at Red River Community College evenings and former students became his friends in latter years. He was predeceased by his parents, Elin and Andrew Olson; one brother Carl G. (Evelyn) of Winnipeg; sisters, Hazel Olson and Jun (Olson) Sievila. He is survived by one sister Marguerite Finnbogason (Alan) one nephew; and several nieces and great-nieces. In keeping with Ralphs wishes, cremation has taken place and a private interment service will be held at a later date. Arrangements in care of: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND RECEPTION CENTRE 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 18, 2004