David Jay Olsen
March 11, 1954 - August 19, 2023
With broken and shattered hearts the family of David Olsen announce his tragic and unexpected passing on Saturday, August 19, 2023. He was the best friend for 60 years and life partner for 47 years of JoAnn (née Wright). David and JoAnn grew up together in London and shared a lifetime of special memories with family and friends. David leaves his two sons Zak and Jesse, his favourite golf partners and the loves of his life. He also leaves his best friend and sister Karen, who were as close as any siblings could be. David was the fav uncle “Evil” of Alex and Chloe. He was the best father-in-law to Candice and Sam whom he loved like they were his own. David was the best grandpa to his namesake Jaxon David (baby gorilla) and Princess Kennedy who were the apple of his eye and who he loved and adored. He will be missed by Mike and Chery Rieder and family, world travelling partners and friends for 35 years. He was a special and loved brother-in-law to Al (Pat), Jerry (Kay), and Rob (Denise); and their families Colin and Jenn, Corrie and Juri, Rob and Kim, Jason and Andrea and Aaron, Justin, Damon and their families. He was predeceased by his beautiful mom Eva, his proud dad Harrie, his loving mother and father-in-law Oliver and Helen Wright, and his nephew Chris.
David not only touched the lives of everyone he met from high school to his successful career at Cargill and McDonalds Canada, he made lasting lifelong and memorable friendships. He loved his time spent on the board and as President of RMHC. Most recently David loved to spend his days with his golf buddies, the Giffers, at the London Hunt Club which was his favourite place to be on a sunny or rainy day. His smile and laughter were infectious and contagious and could light up a room. He will be missed by everyone who knew him but especially his family we have lost the love of our lives and our rock. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Ronald McDonald House Charities Southwestern Ontario in his honour.
Leave a tribute for David Jay Olsen
Leave a tribute
A donation has been made to RMHC. Message from the donator: Our deepest condolences for the passing of Dave, the best neighbour that anyone could wish for. He was such a gentleman and caring neighbour. He will be missed.
JoAnn, we are so very sorry to hear the news of Dave’s passing. He was such a great guy and, even though we haven’t seen you in some years, we have great memories of you both. I hope the love you shared and the memories of your wonderful life will give you comfort.
A donation has been made to Ronald McDonald House Charities Southwestern Ontario. Message from the donator: On behalf of David and all his efforts with the Ronald McDonald House Charities. We hope this donation reflects what an outreaching impact David had on his community. It is with sadness that we write this message for his family JoAnn, Zak, Jesse and the rest but we hope they know what a long lasting impression David will continue to have even after his life. With love, Basma, Fayez, Peter, Martina & Joseph
JoAnn and family, I was saddened to learn of Dave's passing, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Dave was kind and gracious to me in my roles with Cargill's business serving McDonald's in Canada. I learned so much from him, from working with the McDonald's system in Canada to the finer points of "customer golf". Always a smile, a great story, some jokes and so much passion for the work that he did. I enjoyed the opportunities we had together to raise money for RMHC and he was my chief supporter during my tenure on the RMHCSWO board of directors. He was so proud of all of you, my heartfelt condolences.
Dearest Jo, Jess, Zak, Karen and families, And suddenly our lives are changed. Unimaginable to be without David’s life force which was extraordinary. A humble, influential, generous man, David will be sorely missed. (Heaven’s grass will be ever so much greener with Chris and David teaming up.)
JoAnn and family, So very sorry to hear this sad news. Thinking of you…
A donation has been made to Ronald McDonald Charities. Message from the donator: Dear Joann and family, I was so sorry to hear about Dave, what a horrible loss for you all, such a nice man. Thinking of you all. Love, Sue & Chris
I will always cherish our time together, Dave was a kind and generous mentor to me from our days on the RMH board, to testing in our kitchens, to the golf course, Dave would always bring wisdom and joy. He made everyone around him better. I will miss you my friend. Thinking of you and the family JoAnn.
We are deeply sorry and send our sincere condolences to your families at this time! The Rixons
Deepest Condolences to the family. Louie W. Mele
So very sad to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you.
Our Heartfelt condolences to the entire Family at this difficult time. Dave made a difference for so many through his efforts at both Cargill and McDonald’s. He was a respected and kind leader who was always hard at work for Ronald McDonald House Charities. With heartfelt sympathy Jeff Kroll McDonald’s Canada
My heartfelt condolences to the Olsen family. Dave was such a gem to work with during my time with Supplier Field Service. He was kind, funny and one of the nicest people I have ever met. Rest In Peace Dave. Mary Reardon
Joanne, Zak, Jesse - I'm sorry for your loss. Anyone that knew Dave knows what a tremendous loss this is. He was a great person with an efficacious smile. I have and will always have great memories of spending time at the Olsen residence and the great chats I always had with Dave. I feel luck to have known Dave for as long as I did. May he rest in peace. “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened” -Dr Seuss
It is with deep sadness to hear of my cousin David’s passing. I can remember when we were growing up, all the fun times we had at family picnics in Port Burwell and then as we got older, at East Park and Dorchester. It was also so wonderful when the Polci, Masseo, Jackson, Maturani and Olsen families got together at our wonderful gatherings at all the family homes and at picnics where we celebrated our Italian heritage. I have a very special and sweet memory to share from 1968 when many of us were visiting and staying at Aunt Alberta and Uncle Jim’s home in Phoenix, and my Mom (David’s Aunt Yolanda) and myself went with Aunt Eva, Uncle Harrie, David and Karen to Las Vegas and we all slept in a giant king size bed at the Hacienda Hotel in Las Vegas. We all laughed so much during that trip. On our way back to Phoenix we stopped at Hoover Dam. I had a chance to reminisce with David about this special and sweet memory at Aunt Pat’s memorial service in 2022. With sincerest and heartfelt condolences to JoAnn and family and Karen and family.
Sending big love to you Jo and the boys. Seeing this one really hit my heart and I can’t imagine the sadness you are feeling. He was your love, it was always evident when you spoke of him. Sending hugs.❤️
The family has lost a bright and radiant light! With deep sadness, I offer my love and condolences to JoAnn, Zak, Jesse, Karen, Ali, and Chloe.
I was deeply saddened when I heard of Dave’s passing. Dave was a truly special person with a unique ability to make anyone he met feel special, his smile was infectious! Dave was generous in so many ways, with a special place in his heart for Ronald House, he would always ensure the RMH BC Golf Tournament was supported by Cargill even after he retired! This year Dave came out to the annual McNugget Golf Event in Salmon Arm which he often did and was so proud of his boys Zak and Jesse who came out with him. On one of the days, I had the good fortune to golf with Dave, a day I’ll always remember, with lots of laughs along with some golf! He seemed so content! My heart goes out to the family during this time of loss, they should be so proud of the legacy Dave has left for so many. He will be deeply missed
David was the best uncle any would could ask for. Shocking to hear he had passed, just absolutely heartbreaking. His smile was contagious and conveyed generousity like no other. The world has truly lost one of a kind. Our thoughts and prayers to aunt JoAnn, and cousins Zak and Jessie.
David and JoAnn were one of those couples where you didn't say one name without the other. Almost one name. We will miss David's quick wit and genuine smile. He was always fun to be around. JoAnn, Karen, Zak, Jesse, Ali and Chloe, our heart goes out to you at this very sad time.
Very sad to hear of Dave's passing. We met many years ago through my Cousin's Mike & Shane over on Regal Drive. Rode bikes and occassionally wet a fishing line together. In later years we would bump into one another at a store and chat for the longest time. He always had something nice to say. My sincere condolences to JoAnn and Family. Steve Edgar
The world was a better place with Dave. And it wont be the same without him. We want to express our deepest sympathies and condolences to our friend JoAnn and the entire Olsen family. Words can not describe the profound sense of sadness we are feeling at this time over such a tragic and unexpected loss. Of all the people I met and engaged with during my years at McDonald's, Dave was the finest. Always upbeat, happy, kind, and welcoming. That's why we stayed in touch. He was Davey Boy 1. I was Davey Boy 2. DB1 and DB2. Both were born on March 11 one year apart. We shared similar interests: family, RMHC, golf, wine, cigars, jokes.... I still can't believe he is gone. One thing is for sure DB1, you will live in our hearts and minds forever. 😪
Dave was such a wonderful man. Great husband and loving father. We will really miss him. Our prayers go out to his family.
JoAnn, Zak and Jesse and families- we were saddened to learn of Dave's passing. We have many memories of times together when our boys were young. May the memories and love that you shared with Dave give you strength as you move forward.
David was a truly great man who I've known my entire life. He had a way of always making people feel welcome and every time I remember seeing him he always had a smile on his face ready to listen and talk about pretty much anything. I'll miss him dearly and am grateful that I was blessed to have known him. My deepest condolences to Jojo and her family during this difficult time. Love, Dylan
Dear JoAnn, May you find comfort in memories that are yours to cherish and strength in the companionship of those who share your lose. I will never forget Dave's laugh. My Deepest sympathy to all, Rick
Joanne and Karen - we are so saddened to read of the loss of David. We can only imagine your pain. Please accept our heart felt condolences in the sudden loss of such a good person. Sal and Pat
We are so sad to learn that Dave has passed. We consider Dave one of the nicest persons that we have met. We was always smiling and was kind to everyone. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this sad time.
Sending our deepest sympathy at this difficult & very sad time. Brenda & Bill Rothwell
David was like an uncle to me and my brothers growing up. He would always beam with a great big smile, always knew how to make us laugh like crazy, and was full of insight and wisdom. He and JoAnn brought up two boys who are now outstanding men, and I'm proud to call friends. Jo and David travelled the world with my parents and always had a great story to tell. He will be missed greatly by all. My deepest condolences to JoAnn, Jesse and Zach. His kindness, sense of humour and spirit will live on through all the lives he touched Love - Scotty
Our deepest condolences to JoAnn and the entire family. We have been blessed to have you as neighbours and it will be difficult not seeing Dave working in the yard with a big smile and a warm hello. Thinking of you at this most difficult time
Will miss David’s smile, generosity and goodwill to all. He was so kind and gentle. Our thoughts are with Jo, Zak, Jesse and Karen. Our heartfelt condolences to you all.
Dear sweet David… alway a smile and a kind word. Reading the tribute wall is so moving. He has been an inspiration and shining light for so many. We hold dear so many wonderful memories of David and your family. Send love from Aunt Betty, Les & Brin, Lucas & Peter
I will miss you forever and always💔💔
JoAnn, Zak, Jesse and families, you are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. We have many wonderful memories of time spent with Super Dave, or Nugget boy as we affectionately called him. He was a kind and generous man. His sense of humour and how he engaged with others at work, or play was inspiring. He always spoke so proudly of his family. Dave will be greatly missed by all who were lucky to know him.
It is with great privilege and honour to be able to have the pleasure to have known David almost my entire life. One of the most influential people I have known and the impact he had on me is profound. His wisdom, sense of humour and kind demeanor have guided me throughout my life and always looked at David like a father. I send all my love to Jo Anne, Zak, Jesse and their family during this difficult time.
Godspeed to you my friend. Whenever I'd look out our front window and see Dave in the yard, I had to come for one of our chats. His beaming smile, caring demeanor, family focus and optimistic outlook on life were infectious. I welcomed his wisdom and took great pleasure in our relationship. I'll miss him greatly and will try to emulate his joie de vie throughout my life. I share my condolences to JoAnn, Zak, Jesse and the entire family.
So Sorry to hear of David’s passing, our sincerest condolences to the family.
Dave ….there will never be enough words to describe my affection for you and the privilege of your friendship….We will play another 18 together someday…… You ROCK!!!! Keith
The beautiful obituary summed up our great friend David, the best friend a person could have. His love for his family, friends and life in general was abounding and endless. He had the gift of lighting up a room every time he came into it. When looking at our pictures over the years, there is not one where David is not smiling. We had the great privilege of being friends to him, Jo, Zak, Jesse and their families for 35 years. He lived life to the fullest and his legacy - that kindness always matters - will long resonate with the many people whose lives he has touched. People like David come not often, and he will be very sorely missed. Much love, Cheryl, Mike and family
It was such a pleasure to see Dave’s smiling face so often when coming out my front door. He radiated joy and kindness. He always took time away from whatever he was doing to chat, sharing travel plans or bringing us up to date on his recent golf adventures! He will be missed! My sincere condolences to JoAnn, Zak, Jesse and the rest of the family! May your many wonderful memories of time spent together bring you comfort! So sorry for your loss!
This is tragic news for everyone. We had just reconnected at the Hunt Club and were going to play golf together. My heart goes out to the family.
I was deeply saddened to learn of Dave’s passing. I knew him as strong supporter of RMH and an ardent golfer. Dave only played golf on days that ended in “y”. At this difficult time I hope the family is comforted by fond memories of times together. He will be missed by all who were fortunate to know him. RIP Dave
JoAnn, Zak and Jesse, our sincere condolences and our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Dave was the nicest and most kind man we ever met, and was always so much fun to be around. He brought joy and laughter to everyone around him, and we have so many fond memories with him over the years, at work, at RMH Board meetings, and at the many events of skiing, curling, and his favourite was always golf. He was a joy to be around and was always so helpful and giving of his time and support to anyone in need. We will miss him dearly.
A donation has been made to Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario. Message from the donator: Our hearts go out to your family on your devastating loss.
My Condolences to you all. I have know Dave for over 30 yrs. I will miss him infectious laugh and funny stories.
Joanne, Zak and Jessie I was saddened to hear about Dave's passing. His smile and sparkle was infectious. His passion for Ronald McDonald House, the families and his colleagues demonstrated his warmth as a person, colleague and friend. When I joined the charity in 2017 - he welcomed me with open arms and ensured I was connected to the right people. His love for his family and the joy of becoming a grandpa let us all appreciate what mattered in his life. His legacy of caring has impacted countless families. I know he was deeply loved and this will make your grief hard- please keep your memories close and support one another during this difficult time.
JoAnn, Zak,Jesse and Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We are truly grateful to have known and loved Dave for so many years. His infectious smile, unbelievable sense of humour and humility along with his remarkable ability to inspire others is what made Dave such and incredible human being! His passion and love for all of you, his family, was so special. He will be missed but never forgotten. 🙏
Mr. Olsen was always so kind and gracious. I will miss seeing his smile and his sunny demeanor at the Hunt Club. My sincere condolences to the entire family.
Make a donation
If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
JoAnn and family. I am so sorry for your loss. I feel as though I know you through all of the lovely stories Dave used to tell about his cherished wife and children. I met Dave in 1987 when I started working at Cuddy’s and we became fast friends for 20 years. I moved out to Vancouver and we sort of lost touch, but I have always considered him one of my very best friends and he was never far from my thoughts. Adrean MacDonald
~ Adrean MacDonald