It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Harold “Jim” Olichny passed away peacefully on Monday, February 26th, 2024 at the age of 86 in Salmon Arm, British Columbia.  

Jim was born in Hythe, Alberta to Steve and Aranka Olichny and 3 older siblings (William, Ed, Alice) and was later excited to welcome his baby sister, Margaret.

Jim was known as the rebel of the family – with his James Dean good looks, quick wit and a passion for anything motorized and fast.  

In 1962, Jim met his love of his life and soul mate – Fay and they have been together ever since.  They married in 1963 and had their 3Ds – Doug (Jodi), Don (Teresa) and Deanna (Allan).  Later he would be blessed with 3 beautiful grandchildren – Rikki, Gia and Jake.

Jim and Fay first called Rolla, BC their home before moving to the metropolis of Dawson Creek, BC.   Jim started his career hauling fuel but soon his entrepreneur spirit was calling.  He moved on to start his own business distributing Nalley’s chips and confectionary.  Not only did he create a successful business but also 3 overweight and candy addicted children.  Thank goodness Fay and Jim decided to move on and start their next successful venture – Dawson Creek Stationers so their children could focus on writing versus eating.

Jim loved the outdoors – camping, fishing, hunting – and combined this with that passion for motorized vehicles.  There was always a new vehicle in the driveway, ATVs and snowmobiles in the yard or boats in the water.  He loved to explore the country with any one of these taking him to new and exciting places.  This was Jim’s favorite family activity – first with this own kids and then with his grandchildren.  He never stopped playing.

Jim will be missed for not only his contagious sense of adventure and work ethic, but his kind heart, generous spirit and expansive catalog of great sayings that always made us laugh and smile – “Are you working hard or hardly working?”.  You will live in our hearts forever.

We want to thank the staff at the Picadilly Care home in Salmon Arm for taking such great care and providing a loving home for our husband and father, the past few years. 

It was Jim’s wishes to forgo any services.  We ask that you instead leave messages of condolences and include him in your prayers.

Donations in Jim’s memory can be made to a charity of your choice.