It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Leslie (Les) Olsen on November 1, 2026, just days after his 80th birthday.
Les was born in Drumheller on October 22, 1946, and grew up on the family farm west of Munson, where he was an active part of farm life. He was predeceased by his grandparents, his mother, Margie, his father, Murray, his brother, Mel, and his sister, Peg.
Les attended school in Munson and Morrin until Grade 9, then moved on to Composite High School with his brother Mel, where they lived in the dorms. Once Les got his driver’s licence, the brothers continued driving back and forth to school while helping with the work on the farm.
Throughout his life, Les held a variety of jobs, including working at E.O. Perry and in a snowmobile service business. It was during this time that his love of snowmobiling with his brother Mel was sparked. In the 1970s, Les returned to farming with Mel and eventually took over the family farm in the 1980s. After retiring from farming in the late 1990s, he kept busy helping neighbours with their farming. He also worked at Allied Distributors until his official retirement in 2006.
Les was an avid collector of antiques, coins, and anything Coca-Cola related. One of his favourite pastimes was attending swap meets and auction sales. In the early years, he enjoyed these outings with his brother Mel, and later continued the tradition with his sister Peg.
As a retirement gift, Les was given his best friend, Flash. Flash, affectionately known as “the Hound Dog,” became his loyal companion and constant friend, going everywhere with him.
Les was a devoted supporter of his nephews and niece, rarely missing their sporting events, whether it was hockey, figure skating, or baseball. Over the years, that same support extended to the “great” nephews and nieces, whose events he loved attending.
Les was also a strong supporter of his community and generously volunteered his time at local events. He had a feisty nature, but also a thoughtful and generous side, often showing his appreciation through small tokens of kindness to the people who meant the most to him.
Les is survived by his nephews Kevin, Mike (Moe), Dennis (Jen), and Bryan (Crystal), and his niece Cheryl (Doon). He is also survived by his great-nephews and great-nieces, whom he affectionately called “the greats”: Gavin, Ryker, Paxton, Cooper, Sophie, Rhett, Ella, and Oscar.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Hillview Lodge, especially Jessica and Andy. We would also like to thank the staff in Acute Care at Drumheller Hospital, especially Colleen, Dr. Hall, and Dr. Britz, for their kindness and compassionate care.
As per Les’s wishes, a gathering of family and friends will be held at the family farm in the spring of 2027.