Olaf Peter Hegland, longtime resident of Beaverlodge, AB passed away on Friday, April 19, 2019, in the Beaverlodge Hospital, at the age of 95 years.

Olaf was born on September 14, 1923 in Great Falls, Montana. He moved to the Beaverlodge area as a young boy with his family. After Olaf’s mother passed away in 1929, he was raised by Sam and Lena Larson. His school years were spent in the Gimli district. At age 18, he joined the Canadian Armed Forces, serving in WWII, and returning home in 1945. He married Dorothy Farnsworth on October 20, 1947. Together they raised four children: David, Ivan, Marie and Mervin. They enjoyed a wonderful life on farmland west of Beaverlodge. They were able to remain on their farm until moving to the Hythe Pioneer Home in March of 2018.

Olaf was an active member in his community and in the Beaverlodge Legion Branch #121. Year after year, he returned to schools to share his passion about the freedom we celebrate in Remembrance. He loved the farmland and everything that went along with that life. From the large fields to the potato patch, he had a heart for it all. Most important to Olaf was the relationship he had with his family. He also valued the many friendships he maintained over the years.

He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 71 years, Dorothy; son David (Janet) Hegland and grandchildren Michael (Laura) Hegland and Gayle (Michael) Martin; son Ivan (Sadie) Hegland and granddaughter Tatum (Nathan) Doris; daughter Marie (Don) Fletcher and grandchildren Mark (Brenda) Fletcher, Boyd (Esther) Fletcher, Robin (Shannon) Fletcher and April (Matt) Smith; son Mervin (Joan) Hegland and grandchildren Sarah (Travis) White, Amy (Shaun) Nelson, and Andrew (Crystal) Hegland. He so loved his children, grandchildren, and his 24 great-grandchildren. He will also be deeply missed by numerous relatives, neighbours and friends.

Olaf was predeceased by his parents Ole and Maria Hegland; four sisters: Annie Hemerle, Margaret Johnson, Hilda Cox, and Mable Kimmerly; and two brothers: Clifford and George.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at 2:00pm, at Beaverlodge Alliance Church (409 10 St.). Refreshments to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Beaverlodge Hospital Foundation (Box 480, Beaverlodge, AB, T0H 0C0) or to a charity of one’s choice.