Ola Gjerlaug

Ola Aksel Gjerlaug was born in Romedal, Norway on January 8, 1944. He completed his schooling in Norway and was looking for adventure. At 15, he boarded a ship and travelled the world. When he returned to Norway, he served in the Armed Forces and completed agricultural school at Jonsberg Landbruksskole. During this time, he participated in an agricultural exchange to Skiff, Alberta. This is where his Canadian adventure began.

He convinced Astrid to give Canada a try. They were married in Lethbridge on August 3, 1968, and spent some time living in Skiff. They returned to Norway for a couple of years. During this time, they had two sons, Arne (1971) and Stig (1974). Canada was still calling so, in 1974, the family moved back to Canada and settled in the Foremost area. A third son, Kent, was born in Lethbridge in 1978. Ola and Astrid enjoyed many years in Foremost and made many lifelong friends. They called Foremost home until 2003 when they move to Coaldale and then Lethbridge.

Ola had a passion for agriculture and farming. He worked for Frankish Farms until 1992. After that, he worked for Owen Oil Services and then the County of 40 Mile until he retired. He enjoyed keeping his own livestock and land, as well. Although his jobs changed, his strong work ethic and friendly nature did not. Ola made friends wherever he went. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and always saw the good in every person he met. He valued his friendships and loved to get together for meals, card nights, hockey pools or just a good visit. He would open his homes to all and may have forgotten to tell Astrid that he was bringing home guests on a few occasions! But when he walked in with a few unexpected guests, Astrid would say a few words in Norwegian and move on with the visit making everyone feel at home.

Ola loved sports. He played soccer, speed skated and cross-country skied as a youngster. As he got older, he loved to watch the boys play hockey and may have had some suggestions on improving their game! He cheered for Norway enthusiastically at every chance he got, especially during the winter Olympics. He was a Calgary Flames fan and wouldn’t hesitate to point out any player in the NHL with any hint of Norwegian heritage.

He loved to spend time with his grandchildren. They would watch movies, play outside and play cards. He spent a lot of time finding hiding spots for his Pringles so that the grandkids didn’t eat them all! He loved to talk about his adventures with them and pass on his pride in being from Norway. He also loved music and would sing with Astrid while she played the guitar. His grandkids were thoroughly entertained when he decided to break out his signature dance moves!

Ola is survived by his wife of 57 years, Astrid, and his 3 sons, Arne (Michelle), Stig (Roxanne) and Kent (Jill). He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren Emily (Simon), Sienna, Alexa, Raina, Shylo (Mason), Chelsea (Ryland), Halle, Connor and Hayden and his great grandchildren Ella, Toren, Preston and Dominic.

To honor Ola’s life, raise a glass with your friends and family, Share a laugh and enjoy each other’s company. Remember Ola’s smile, as he was never without it! He would want it that way.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Parkinson’s Association.