WILLIAM OLMSTEAD

William 'Howard' Olmstead
(March 12, 1915 – January 17, 2014)
Confidently and calmly Howard bid his final goodbyes with family by his side on January 17, 2014 in the comfort of his home, with assurance to all that at almost 99 years of age he had, in his words, "done it all". He transitioned out of this life, an inspiration to family, friends and caregivers, alike.
Born to Samuel and Eleanor in his grandmother's house near Aneroid, SK on March 12, 1915, Howard spent the next 21 years of his life in southwestern Saskatchewan. From the farm at Dollard, to the village of Scotsgard, to the town of Shaunavon, Howard found ample opportunity to build joy and adventure into his life with dancing, skating and friends. His love for the grasslands, Cypress Hills and rolling hills of farmland in the southwest was life-long. Travelling with him to visit the people and places of his youth was an experience for his son, Rick, that brought new insights of his father's youth, but also that of his beloved Saskatchewan.
"Never say "can't"" was a favourite motto from which Howard lived. The drought and depression of the 1930's brought him to Saskatoon in the spring of 1936 wherein he began employment with his uncle, J. J. Olmstead at the Chrysler/Plymouth dealership Auto Clearing. Here his love of automobiles would find fulfillment. One could recognize Howard easily as he shared many a leisurely drive in his cherished and pristine "Big Blue", a 1974 Plymouth Gran Fury.
Saskatoon also introduced him to the love of his life, Myrtle Hellofs whom he married in 1942. With his delightful and graceful dance and life partner, they hosted and enjoyed many a gathering with extended family and friends. They built many memories together, with their joy complete at the birth of their son, Richard (Rick) William Olmstead in 1951. Myrt's life ended too soon in 1999.
Howard often shared his memories and passion for flying. In the late 1940's he realized his dream and earned his pilot's license. Many a sunny afternoon was spent testing the limits of the planes as his acrobatic skills were honed.
A wonderful dancer, Howard enjoyed many an evening on the renowned dance floors in the basement of the Avenue Building, the Legion on 19th, Danceland in Manitou, amongst many others. A proud member of the Saskatoon Skating Club for decades, he was a skating aficionado, and nurtured many life-long friendships with the common simple joy of skating to music.
In 1964, Howard was looking for a change and began a new career in real estate with Murdock and Maber Agencies where he would stay until slipping into retirement. The simple cottage life at Jackfish Lake provided decades of simple enjoyment that he and his family so cherished, increasingly so after his retirement.
His last decade was enjoyed at Emmanuel Village where he shared in a friendly social and caring retirement community. With a commitment to always keep going, his love of gardening extended well into his 97th year. He also relished nothing more then a slow drive in the country with his companion Margaret to look at the landscape, crops, deer and the ever-changing landscape. This was usually preceded by a fully loaded hotdog and lemonade at the Bus Stop Refreshment in picturesque downtown Saskatoon.
Howard did not fear the end of life. A precious last Christmas and New Year's were enjoyed, as well as his requested "going-away" tea and sandwich party with immediate family and loved ones connecting across the country. The family will forever be comforted and grateful to all who paved Howard's passing with meaningful and gentle care, respect, love and friendship.
He was blessed with an incredible team including the staff at Home Instead Senior Care, the Saskatoon Health Region Palliative Home Care unit, his long-time family doctor, Dr. Steven Goluboff, the family and friends who called and came to visit from near and far, and all who readily made time to assist Howard so gently, respectfully and meaningfully during the last months of his life.
Left to remember, and honour his memory are his son Rick, his daughter-in-law Silvia Martini and granddaughters Alison, Nicole and her fiancé Alan Verbeke, his sister Gene Mores, and brother Garth Olmstead, his extended Olmstead and Hellofs' families, his special companion for many years, Margaret Du Chalard, and extended family and friends who cherish the legacy that is Howard; loving and missing his daring and many wonderful qualities. Howard joins his younger brother Vaughan, who recently predeceased him.
Howard's life will be celebrated in a Memorial Service on Monday, April 21st at 10:00 a.m. at the St. John's Columbarium (816 Spadina Cres. E.)
Memories can be shared at
www.legacy.com /obituaries/thestarphoenix/; or privately by email to mail@saskatoonfuneralhome.com
If you wish to make a donation in his memory we would suggest the Prairie Hospice Association (719 Queen St. Saskatoon, SK S7K 0M9) www.prairiehospice.org 306-249-5554
Arrangements have been entrusted to Saskatoon Funeral Home 306-244-5577