J. \'Gerard\' Olszowiec
Born In: New Waterford, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed in: Sydney River, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: February 1st, 2010
We announce with broken hearts the sudden passing of our brother, Gerard Olszowiec on Feb. 1, 2010 at his home in Sydney River.
Gerard was born in New Waterford on Nov. 30, 1959 and was the son of the late Rudy and Bessie Olszowiec.
Gerard’s early years were filled with his enthusiasm for the outdoors. He was a proud member of both the Boys Scouts and Venturers. In later years he played baseball on the Halifax Commons and participated in several outdoor survival challenges.
A graduate of Dalhousie University with double degrees in BSc and BA his professional career as a programmer/analyst brought him a diversity of projects. Gerard headed teams at the Attorney Generals Office, Department of Health, Department of Motor Vehicles, and CMHC implementing computerized systems. He was a training officer for Anderson Consulting and later formed his own company, Entity Software Limited, where his work involved private consultation and website programming.
In 2007 Gerard contracted a serious heart virus resulting in open heart surgery and a long recovery. After his setback, he rallied and became even more enthusiastic with his outdoor activities. An active member of the Cape Breton Velo Club, Gerard clocked over 3000 km on his bike in 2009, retiring it for the winter only in December. Since that time he could be seen on his daily walks throughout his neighbourhood. It was on these walks and rides that Gerard befriended a certain neighbourhood cat who looked forward to a lapsit and a treat which was hidden in Gerard’s pocket.
A self taught carpenter, Gerard completed many pieces of beautiful furniture. One special project over the past two years was the construction of a 17 foot canoe.
In 2005 Gerard relocated from Halifax to assist in the care of his parents. Living minutes from his sister Beverly, they enjoyed many happy times entertaining Rudy and Bessie on outings, in their homes and at Harbourstone.
Gerard is survived by his sisters, Beverly (Michael) Cathcart, Sydney River, Karen (Mike) O’Driscoll, Bracebridge, Ont. and Maria Quigley, Weston, Ont.; brother, Robert Blair (Judi Gerbrandt), Delta, B.C., sister-in-law, Margaret Olszowiec, Nelson House, Manitoba; many aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Gerard was predeceased by his mother Elizabeth ‘Bessie’ in Dec. 2008, father Rudy in April, 2007 and his brother David Brian in March, 1994.
Visitation for Gerard will be held Monday, Feb. 8 from 7-9 p.m. at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St., New Waterford. A funeral mass to celebrate Gerard’s life will take place Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Fr. Paul MacNeil officiating. Reception will follow at the Carmel Centre. Burial will be held at a later date.
Donations in his memory may be made to the S.P.C.A. or a charity of one’s choice.
Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.vjmcgillivray.ca.
