With broken hearts, we announce the passing of “Rock”, Douglas James Olshaski, on Tuesday, October 16, 2018, at the age of 53 years.

Doug was born March 12, 1965, the fifth son to Robert and Dorothy Olshaski, following his brothers, Bob, Rod, Greg and Ken.

Doug attended Our Lady of the Assumption School where he met Jacquie in Grade 1. He proceeded through the Catholic school system, graduating from Catholic Central High School. Doug was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Over the Bars Club and the ALS Society. Active in every sport, Doug played football throughout high school, and played baseball and hockey for the Knights of Columbus #1490. Doug’s favorite past time when he wasn’t playing, was watching sports with good friends.

Doug worked on Olshaski Farms and Degenstein Farms and with Harkers Towing in the winter. Farming was in his blood so Doug’s favorite saying was “You may need a teacher, doctor, or lawyer in your life, but three times a day, you’ll always need a farmer”.

Doug married Jacquie on November 7, 2009, and together they took on the world. They lived 80 years in their 8 short years together. Doug loved trips to Mexico, camping and family occasions. Nothing compared to a good supper at Brian and Nicole’s, or a good bonfire, surrounded by friends, family and his dog Rex. Doug was particularly fond of watching his nephews and nieces grow.

Before their 2nd anniversary, Doug was diagnosed with ALS. In Doug’s famous style, he focussed on the things he could change and not the things he couldn’t. He brought a greater awareness to ALS through the Bucket Challenge, and with the help of friends and family, raised thousand of dollars for the ALS Society in the annual “Walk for Rock”. He also dedicated the last eight years of his life to ALS research by participating in drug trials, which he saw lead to the first treatment for ALS.

Doug is survived by his loving wife, Jacqueline, and his brothers Bob (Karen) Olshaski, Rod Olshaski (Michelle Derry), Ken (Millie) Olshaski, and his sister-in-law, May Olshaski, as well as stepfather, Alex Murrell.  He was also survived by his loving mother-in-law, Yvonne Gilbert & father-in-law, Charles Marchand, sister-in-law, Nicole (Brian) VandenBerg  and brother-in-law,  Todd (Bev) Marchand, as well as his 12 nieces and nephews, whom he referred to as “his kids”; Stephen, Matt, Ryan, Darcy, Larissa and Sydney Olshaski, Ryan Marchand, Chase, Dale, Jaime, Joseph and Violet VandenBerg.

He was predeceased by his mother, Dorothy Murrell, his father, Robert Olshaski and his brother, Greg Olshaski.

Doug was a caring brother, uncle, son, nephew, cousin and friend, who will be sadly missed by all. His bravery, humor through life and unselfishness, will always be remembered.

We would like to thank the staff that worked  and cared for Doug over the past 8 years; ALS Clinic South Campus, Calgary; ALS Society of Alberta; the staff at St. Michael’s Palliative Care and the private the Health Care team. Heartfelt thanks to Steve Morton, Mike and Gwen Anhelher – you will always be part of Team Olshaski. Special thanks to all the Go Fund Me supporters for making it possible for Doug to get his wish, to return home daily from Palliative Care, and spend time in the comfort of his own living room, with his wife and dog at his side.

Relatives and friends are invited to the Vigil Prayer Service at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB on Friday, November 9, 2018 at 7:00 P.M.

A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 – 12th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback, Celebrant. A reception will follow in the Church Hall.

Donations in Doug’s memory can be made to the ALS Society of Alberta, 7874-10th Street N.E. Calgary, AB T2E 8W1.

 

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2018-10-16