May 16, 1938 - December 12, 2020
J.R.A (Ollie) Crosbie - born May 16 th, 1938 at Mahon House, Portadown, Northern Ireland, died December 12th , 2020 in Kelowna, British Columbia.
Adoring husband and confidant of Joanne for nearly 60 years, loving father of Vicky Rensby (Dan, predeceased), Karen (predeceased) and Glenda Mulligan (Mike). Cherished Grandpa to Nicolas Rensby (Samantha), Charles Rensby and Liam Mulligan. Great Grandpa to Benjamin and Griffin Rensby. Older brother to Harriette Minamide (Rick Mann); treasured Uncle & grand uncle to many nieces and nephews in Canada & Northern Ireland.
Sadly predeceased by four brothers; Thomas, Bing, Frank, Wolsey, and one sister, Rozann Campbell.
Lifelong learner and distinguished scholar from the Academy of Applied Science & Common Sense ~
Born a dairy farmer to Kenneth and Lily Crosbie, Ollie learned the value of hard work and humour from his parents and older brothers. When Ollie was eight, he was stepped on by Bessie the donkey which resulted in a broken collarbone. Ollie's brothers thought Bessie might like to apologize and coerced the donkey up the stairs to the second floor, only to realize, (after the visit) that donkeys don't like to walk backwards; particularly backwards down a flight of stairs.
In early summer of 1952, Ollie, along with his parents and 4 siblings embarked on an adventure across the Atlantic, via ship, to start a new life in Canada, settling in Kamloops, BC. It was here that Ollie got the nickname 'Ollie, the shipwrecked Swede" while working at a local car dealership and the name stuck.
From Kamloops, Ollie moved to 100 Mile House where he met Joanne at a local dance and within a year, they were married. They then moved to Williams Lake, BC where they welcomed Vicky in 1962 and Karen in 1964. Next stop was Burns Lake, BC and in 1968, Glenda arrived, and the family was complete.
Along the way, Ollie's desire to help to help others and his community became evident with active volunteering with the fire dept, ambulance service & Kinsmen. Ollie became a member of the Masonic Lodge in 1970 and was awarded his 50 Year Masonic pin shortly before he passed.
Whether it was a home improvement project, delivering Meals on Wheels or taking people to medical appointments, you could always count on Ollie to lend a hand. He was a friendly and caring soul, brightening up our days with corny jokes and "Ollie-isms". He demonstrated an ability to form and maintain lasting friendships throughout his life. He is missed by all that had the good fortune to know him.
A celebration of Ollie's life will take in Burns Lake, BC, in the summer of 2021. Details to follow.
Arrangements in care of Everden Rust Funeral Services, West Kelowna Arrangement Centre, 250-768-8925.
Condolences may be shared with the family through www.everdenrust.com
Everden Rust Funeral Services