Olav Skjelbred – Our Gentle Giant…..

A very Gentle Soul who we had the privilege to have as a member of our Club has passed away. Olav Skjelbred has been battling cancer for several years but passed a few days ago. Olav was such a quiet man, always happy and smiling. He came to Canada as a young man after being a ski instructor in Norway. When arriving he worked in the forests of BC as a lumber Jack. He did have some stories to tell about his life and it was a hard one. He became a club member and was a very helpful to many. He spent lots of time on the green and was always smiling no matter how his game was, good or bad. Olav was a coach here which came easy to him as he had been an instructor. He would help you out if you were having a problem. During the winter months you would see him at Short Mat either to play one game or two depending on the day. Then some days come as a spectator. In the summer of course he was on the green enjoying the game he loved. He worked on the our garden planting flower and weeding for few years. If you were at the club for maintenance on Monday mornings he would be there to help Gord Campbell serve up coffee and goodies to keep you all going. During Covid it was Olav’s 90th birthday and the club did a drive by celebration for him. Then Sandi did a cupcake birthday for him two years ago. He was both surprised and very happy. He loved our Lawn Bowling club and enjoyed talking to all the members. He will be sorely missed by many of us. We send our condolences to his daughters and their families from our family, his extended family.