Oddvar Saastad, longtime resident of Hythe and Valhalla Centre, AB, passed away peacefully at the Hythe Continuing Care Centre on Tuesday, December 8, 2015.

Oddvar was born December 12, 1926, in Snarum, Norway. He came to Canada when he was a baby and eventually his parents settled in the Valhalla district which became home for Oddvar for many years.

While working in the logging industry, Oddvar met Elsie, a young widow with 3 young girls. They later married and had 2 more children. Oddvar was a longtime farmer in the Valhalla and Usona, AB, districts and periodically went back to the logging industry in Mackenzie, BC. He later had his own logging company. He was always a hard worker but still found time to enjoy his wood-working. He had many dear friends in the neighborhood and other communities where they resided.

Oddvar will be sadly missed by his son Tim (Janine) Saastad of Grande Prairie, AB, and his daughters: Christine Primus (Dale) of Mackenzie, BC, Beverly (David) Boman-Gordon of Fort McMurray, AB, Bonnie (Louie) of Grande Prairie, AB, and Vivian Dubrovic of Pitt Meadows, BC, as well as 14 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He leaves to mourn his brothers Andreas (Mona) Saastad of Wembley, AB, and Albin (Kay) Saastad of Valhalla, AB; and his sisters Gina Lunde of Chilliwack, BC and Elizabeth (Karl) Naess Hilsen of Vikersund, Norway.

Oddvar was predeceased by his wife Elsie, his parents Arne and Kristine Saastad and his sister Annie Rohn.

At Oddvar's request, there will not be a funeral, but a Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, July 2, 2016, at 1:00pm, at Valhalla Cemetery.

If so desired, donations may be made to Parkinson of Alberta (103 10901 100 St., Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 2M9) or to Heart and Stroke of Alberta (Unit 109 10126 120 Ave, Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 8H9).

Oliver's Funeral Home is in charge of cremation and graveside service arrangements.

The family of Oddvar Saastad would like to express their appreciation to the staff of the Hythe Continuing Care Centre and Dr. Crowe for their warm and caring attention that was given to him during the time that he resided under their care.