January 25, 1936 – May 23, 2016
At the age of 80 years
Glenys passed away peacefully with family in Salmon Arm on May 23, 2016, after a short but intense illness with Alzheimer’s. She was born on January 28, 1936 near Foam Lake, Saskatchewan, the second daughter to Edwin Thorlakur OLAFSON and Marion Elizabeth LYSGAARD.
The family moved to South Burnaby, BC in 1941, and Glenys grew up there, graduating from Burnaby South High School in 1954. She was active in school plays, student councils, and an avid basketball and grass hockey player all through her teen years. She made friendships with several of her school and team mates, which have lasted through the years.
After high school, she met Jim Smith (married in 1957), and completed the Registered Laboratory Technologist program through Vancouver General Hospital in 1958. Their lives together took them to many BC towns: Campbell River, Port Moody, Ocean Falls, Coquitlam, Vernon, Kelowna, Oyama, and then Vernon again where Jim passed away in 1999. Glenys and Jim had three children, starting soon after their marriage. She was always very actively involved in the school and sports events of Bradley, Patricia, and Ian.
Glenys was predeceased by both of her parents and her husband. Remaining are her sister Karna, cousin Loa, brother-in-law Dick, son Brad (Chris Francis), daughter Patti (Don Jameson), son Ian (Tammy Tutt), 8 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and many nephews, nieces and cousins.
The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Mount Ida Mews in Salmon Arm, where Glenys resided for her final year for the care and love they treated Glenys with. They truly are dedicated to their chosen occupation and have been a huge assistance, particularly to Patti, during this time.
A family gathering will be arranged for a later date in the summer. No other service is planned at this time. Donations in lieu of flowers could be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of BC.
Glenys and I go back a long way. I first met her when we were in our teens. Over the years we kept in touch as she and Jim moved around the province. In later years our group (Donna, Shirley and myself) would visit Glenys. We had a wonderful time reliving our youth and catching up on our lives. Lots of laughs and a few tears – I miss those visits. Glenys was so proud of her family – that was evident in her letters over the years and when we got together. Family was the centre of her life and she enjoyed time spent with her grandchildren. I know she will be missed by all her loved ones. Our condolences to Brad, Patti, Ian and their families. Gerri and Gordon Ormiston
I knew Glenys a little when she lived in Quail Run in Vernon. She joined our little group for Bridge several times. She was such a nice lady and had a good sense of humour. I think she was a heck of a bridge player in her day!
We always enjoyed her company.
She spoke with love about her family…my sympathy to them at this time.
Barb Dawe
We were very sorry to hear about Glenys. We met Glenys and Jim in Ocean Falls a long time ago when our kids were pretty young. We lived above the Bank there and Glenys used to come over for coffee with little Ian. Ian was about a year old then and he and Michael ( he was 3) would play together. They would play with tin cans and pots and pans until Colin ( the manager of the bank …my husband) would phone me upstairs and tell me to keep the kids quiet. Only in Ocean Falls!!! Glenys and I kept in touch over the years and she always phoned a week or so before Christmas to have a chat and catch up on family and some friends from Ocean Falls days. Thinking of the family at this difficult time and remembering good times with Jim and Glenys so many years ago.
Colin and Lois Hicks
Dear Brad, Patty and Ian
Bill and I were so sorry to read about your Mom. We have many great memories of our times in Ocean Falls. Of course that’s also the time that we had young families.
We saw your Mom at a Retirees meeting in Kelowna about 3 years ago. She was just as attractive and vibrant as ever!
We’ve shared our memories with Colin and Lois Hicks. Lots of good stories and experiences.
Take care. You’re in our thoughts.
Marilyn and Bill Sharkey