September 15, 1937 – February 26, 2024
at the age of 86 years:
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.
Our condolences to everyone in the Olichny family. Jim remains in our hearts & minds. Herb & Dorathy Lexa & family.
Just learned of Jim’s passing. So sorry to hear that. The Olichny family have a very special place in our hearts as we have known them for many, many years. We express our deepest love and condolences to you Faye, your family, and the rest of the Olichny family.
Hello Aunt Fay and cousins – Doug, Donny, and Deanna.
Mom told me about Uncle Jim passing away. I have memories of the times when we would visit all of you and go to Uncle Jim’s warehouse. He would let me get as many goodies as I wanted. 😉 It was so much fun! He was so fun to be around! I also remember Uncle Jim and Aunt Fay coming to my house in NC for a tea party. 🙂 What good memories we’ve shared together!
I hope you will find comfort in the Lord at this time. As you know we will be going through the same thing with Mom soon. She is very weak these days.
I love all of you! Peace of Christ!
– Brenda (Kincheloe) Valdivia
Our sincere condolences to the family.
We were not lucky enough to have met Jim but he truly shines through you, Deanna.
Huge hugs!
Pat &JP❤️
My condolences to the Olichny family. Its tough to have such a loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Deanne and to ALL your family;
We send you our deepest & sincerest condolenses on the loss of your Dad. So difficult to lose someone so special & so loved. May Heaven embrace him & may he forever be in your hearts!!
Love truly never dies! ❤️❤️
Our sincerest condolences and love to you all!
Analynn, Doug, Shea, and Jessica Riley
Thinking of you Fay So many happy memories, Hugs
Sincerest condolences to you, Fay and your family. I am so sorry for your loss but know you have been left with the most precious memories. You will be able to keep Jim tucked away in your hearts along with those memories. I feel that Jim was a special connection to Rolla. I’ve been blessed to know you folks for such a long time. Take good care. Love Judi
Fond memories of you and Jim during our time working together @ Northern Health. You were one of a kind and so compassionate with the people we worked with. Jim could make me laugh with his quick wit and friendly smile. Sending you my love and condolences.
My condolences Fay to you and your family.
I am so sorry to hear that Jim passed away. I will always remember him on our boating adventures or sharing a Christmas meal. My condolences to my dear friend Fay and their family
A very dear friend will truly be missed
Oh Fay, Doug, Don and Deanna I am so sad to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a kind gentle man who always was so kind to our family. I will keep him and all your family in my prayers as you go through this difficult time.
Fay, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this sad time. May your memories keep Jim alive in your hearts forever.
Deb