OHLSEN, Gerald L.
Loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away on April 1, 2015 at the age of 69. Husband to Mavaia; father to Meharu, Natalie, Michael, Lita and Jack and grandfather to several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gerald was a career diplomat whose focus was on the international promotion of human rights, democracy and the engagement of civil society in public policy. Gerald previously led Canadian missions in Africa, Asia and South America, as well as having held senior advisory positions at the Canadian foreign ministry. After he retired from External Affairs, Gerry focused on peace initiatives in Afghanistan. In keeping with Gerry's wishes, his body was donated to medical science. Friends may pay respects at the St. John's Anglican Church on the corner of Elgin and Somerset on Friday, April 10, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations are greatly appreciated to the Stroke Survivors Association and Peacebuild.
Published in Ottawa Citizen on Apr. 10, 2015.