Olai Egeland

Olai Egeland, husband to the late Suzy Egeland passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, April 29th, just 5 days after his 91st birthday.

Olai was born in Bassano, Alberta on April 24, 1931, to Oskar and Anna Egeland, the third oldest of 10 children.  Dad farmed his entire life, finally retiring to Lethbridge in 2004.  Dad saw a lot of changes over the years, from getting around with horse and buggy to driving his motorhome to China Creek and Yuma.  Working the land with horses to driving a four-wheel drive tractor complete with cab and air conditioning.  From flood irrigating with tarps to wheel lines and finally to pivots.  Farming provided a good life but there were many lean years too.  In the early years Dad worked winters in BC lumber camps and the Sugar Factory in Taber to help make ends meet.  In 1957 he built our home on the farm and it was added onto several times as the family grew, and money was available.  Together Mom & Dad raised their 4 children: Darlene (Harvey), Dean (Sandy), Ron (Carol) and Norma (Dennis) on the farm in Circle Hill just a few miles from the original homestead.  To this family was added 9 Grandchildren: Daniel, Genese, Daryl, Kelly, Marissa, Chantal, Brett, Kaylee and Miranda and 12 Great-Grandchildren of whom Dad adored each and everyone.  Dad’s past times were fishing, curling, winters in Yuma and playing cards.  Dad was still playing cards at Norbridge less than a month ago, it was without a doubt his favorite past time.

He is survived by 3 brothers: Magnus, Gordon (Carol), Butch (Wendy) and 3 sisters, Taletta, Alma and Gladys.

 Olai was predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Suzy Egeland; his son-in-law Bruce Lamond; his parents Oskar and Anna Egeland; and 3 Brothers, Carl, Arthur and Otto

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta with Reverend Erin Phillips, officiating.

A private family Interment will take place prior.

To watch the service livestream, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Olai-Egeland and scroll to the bottom of the obituary page.

Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Michael’s Palliative Care Centre, 1400 9 Ave S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4V5.