In Celebration of

Robert Olsen

February 7, 1938 -  March 16, 2020

I used to joke with my kids about the saying “Bob’s your uncle”. Well, he was. My brother Bob was a wonderful uncle to my three children, and a loving grand uncle to their children. Today, my family’s hearts are sad to say goodbye to my big brother, Bob.

Our other sisters, Marian and Donna, and their families are also saddened at Bob’s passing. Also mourning Bob are cousins Nancy, David and their families.

Our brother Paul has been closest to Bob over the many years of them working, travelling, and just hanging out together. Paul provided loving care to Bob in his final weeks for which we are eternally grateful.

Bob lived a long, full and productive life. Although he never married or experienced the joy of having his own children, one of his biggest pleasures was spending time with family. We knew that at family gatherings, Bob would show up with a couple of his favourite Sara Lee Cherry Cheesecakes. And of course, we always deferred to Bob when he reached for both turkey legs at holiday meals.

Bob enjoyed politics at all levels. He was always involved in some capacity in municipal and provincial campaigns, lobbying for more programs for the homeless and the working poor. He was a great letter-writer and the Toronto Star received regular submissions from Bob in the Letter to the Editor category.

Bob was a passionate social activist for the homeless in the Cabbagetown community where he lived for many decades. He would proudly tell us about the protests he participated in, such as the 1989 “Bread not Circuses”, being arrested, hoping to make it on the front page of the newspaper, only to be quietly released out the back door of the jail … no story there!

In the September 1994 article “A Brief History of Rooming Houses in Toronto, 1972-94” by Philippa Campsie, Bob is quoted as follows: “Some people would prefer a slum landlord because he accepts you as you are, all he wants is your money. Non-profits try to govern people’s lives, they want to rehabilitate you.”

Bob, we accepted you as you were. You added to our lives in ways that are too numerous to mention. Rest easy now.

Your little sister, Carol

Guestbook 

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Liz Wakefield (Niece)

Entered March 17, 2020 from Bracebridge

A few years ago when I lived in Toronto, Bob and I would meet for lunch or dinner. Somehow he had scoured the city's nooks and crannies to find the best places to eat. We would go for Indian, donair, Chinese bakeries, pizza, Ethiopian, anything really. Bob enjoyed finding new food I hadn't tried, acting as a tour guide at times as we walked about, full of information and able to answer questions regarding things I was curious about. I, in turn, was able to provide assistance in setting up his email (Bobert as I eagerly suggested and he reluctantly agreed to) and other whiz-kid tasks. He didn't prefer 'Uncle' Bob as he said it made him feel old, but 'Bob's your Uncle' will remain one of my favorite sayings.

Marian (Olsen) Madryga (Sister)

Entered March 18, 2020 from Mississauga

Bob, you were loved by us, and will be missed. I will always cherish the special memory I have of you one magical Christmas night, when you took Carol and I for a silent walk in a winter wonderland, snow falling gently. May you rest in that same wonderful peace we felt that night. Marian, Bill, Matthew and Amanda.

Brian Burch (Fellow Traveller)

Entered October 1, 2020 from Toronto

After my going into political retirement I lost track of Bob. Over the years our paths crossed many times and I always found him to be a source of hope and inspiration despite the immediate realities being confronted. He always reminded me of Jimmy Stewart in Mr. Smith Goes To Washington. I was saddened to hear of passing, but glad to have known him. May his memory be a blessing.

Cathy Crowe (Friend)

Entered October 2, 2020 from Toronto

To Bob's family and friends, I am so sorry to hear of his death, especially so many months later. Bob was a stalwart activist and the best supporter/ally of activist organizations. He gave a lot of thoughtful advice on strategy and made some of the best banners for us. I will try to post the pictures. Cathy Crowe, Street Nurse, Toronto

Photos 

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