With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Donald Oscar Olson on Saturday March 22, 2025, after a long battle with cancer. Don’s life was one marked by dedication—to his family, his work, and above all, his community.
Don was predeceased by his parents, Oscar and Ruth (Olsen) Olson, and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. He leaves behind his wife Shirley, son Kristian, daughter Linnea (Jeremy Geyer), and treasured granddaughter Genevieve Geyer. He is also remembered by his brothers Maynard (Henda), Delmar (Shirley), and Lyndon (Sharon), along with numerous nieces and nephews, friends and colleagues.
Born and raised in Sturgis, Saskatchewan, Don’s deep connection to his hometown Sturgis began in childhood. Known affectionately as “Little Donnie Olson,” he could often be found building tree forts, swimming by the river, delivering papers, and immersing himself in cadets and band programs. Don attended the University of Saskatchewan and Kelsey (SIAST), attaining a diploma in renewable resources. Throughout his life, Don worked across the prairies. His roles included laborer at Hudson Bay Mining & Smelting in Flin Flon, orderly at Grey Nuns Hospital in Regina, surveyor for Highway 1, northern Saskatchewan explorer with Gulf Minerals, and realtor and part-owner of Astro Realty in Lethbridge. He worked most of his career with Ducks Unlimited in Saskatchewan and Alberta, and lastly at the Hyas Alfalfa Plant. Don enjoyed spending time in nature, caring for his acreage, canoeing, and relaxing with family and friends at the Olson cottage which he built with his brothers at Crystal Lake.
What truly distinguished Don was his tireless community involvement. A pillar of civic life, he served the Town of Sturgis for over three decades—first as councillor (1991 to 1997), then as mayor (1997 to 2016, 2020 to 2023). There was scarcely a local board or committee in which he was not involved. Among his many affiliations were the Kinsmen Clubs of Yorkton, Lethbridge, and Sturgis; the Assiniboine River and Watershed Associations; Crystal Lake Board; North East Transportation Planning Committee; and Sturgis Sports and Rodeo, where he was a familiar face at the west gate. Don also devoted himself to the Grace United Church and the Preeceville-Sturgis Pastoral Charge, serving variously as Treasurer, Chairman, Choir Member—and famously, as grower of potatoes for the perogy fundraiser. He was also the Captain of the Army Cadet core in Sturgis. His service was recognized with the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal in 2005 and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2023. Don had a lot of civic pride and we were blessed to have someone like him in our community and our lives.
The Olson family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and care staff at Preeceville Care Centre, Allan Blair Cancer Centre in Regina and Yorkton Hospital. A private Celebration of Life for Don will be held at a later date.
