Obituary of Eldon Oliver

Eldon's journey began when his mom and dad, Ella and Eli, married and settled in New Norway-near Camrose, Alberta around 1914. By the time Eldon was born in 1923, he had two older sisters (Marguerite, who died at the age of 4 in 1918) and Mauriette. The family had moved to Vanrena-near Fairview. Living in the country meant wood heat, light by candles or coal oil lamps and the bathroom was 50 feet away from the house. Eldon quit school in 1942, part way through grade 12, to go to work for the Northern Alberta Railways in Fairview. He transferred to Dawson Creek just before they started work on the Alaska Highway. When he decided to join the RCAF the NAR promised to keep his job open for him. Eldon became a tail gunner on a Lancaster Bomber which Eldon's crew nicknamed the "D" dog. They made 28 missions before they completed their tour. Eldon then became an instructor with the RCAF in England. After he was discharged in 1945, Eldon made his way to Beaverlodge where he continued his career with the NAR. Shortly after transferring back to Dawson Creek, Eldon met Verna and they married in August 1949.He became a father to two wonderful little girls, Janet and Dianne. Eldon was a very hands on father. He taught Janet and Dianne how to ride bikes; he built a skating rink for them in the back yard and getting a Christmas tree was always a family affair. Around the end of 1969 the NAR closed down in Dawson Creek and Eldon and Verna transferred to Edmonton. They spent five years there and two years in Slave Lake, then back to Edmonton again where he retired in 1985. Eldon had worked for the same company for 43 years. In 1999 they made their final move and returned to Dawson Creek. One of the biggest passions in Eldon's life was baseball. Other than horseshoes this was his favourite sport. Eldon had played in the Seniors World Series in Florida, Texas and Arizona. Somewhere in heaven a ball club is cheering-for an all star has just joined their team. Eldon is survived by his loving wife Verna of 61 years, daughters; Janet Oliver (Ed Broad) and Dianne Lauder-Ash (Brian Ash), grandsons; Burke (Krystal) and Brett (Leanne), great grandchildren; Bryson, Jamin, Neala, brother-in-laws; Elmer (Pearl) Aasen and Ken (Erva) Aasen and Numerous nieces and nephews. Eldon is predeceased by his parents; Ella and Eli Oliver, sisters; Margarite and Mauriette and nephew Jerald Paul. Memories of Eldon presented by Son-in-law Brian Ash Eldon passed away on Monday, November 22, 2010 in Dawson Creek, B.C. at the age of 87 years.A memorial tea was held on Monday, November 29, 2010 in Reynars Tea Room. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Eldon to the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia 9005 Lyman Drive, Dawson Creek, B.C. or Charity of Choice. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium