Jason David Olson

Jason David Olson, Jay or Jaybird, left us suddenly on August 12, 2024, at his home in Edmonton, Alberta at the age of 44.

Jason was born in Edmonton on October 5, 1979, the first child of Ken and Sheryl Olson. His sister Eva was born 20 months later. Jason grew up in Edson, Alberta. Born with spina bifida, Jason faced physical limitations. He enjoyed robust health as a child but increasing health challenges occurred as he grew into adulthood.

As a child, Jason’s family enjoyed many outdoor activities, family vacations around Alberta and B.C. and also Mexico, Hawaii and California. Church, community, and family activities played an important role in Jason’s childhood.  A lot of time was spent with grandparents and other extended family. Jason’s parents separated when he was a preteen. This and the subsequent remarriage of both parents was a difficult time for Jason.

A highlight of Jason’s childhood was when the Rick Hansen’s Man in Motion Tour came through Edson in 1987. Mayor Jerry Doyle declared Jason Mayor for the Day, and Jason greeted Rick Hansen on behalf of the town.

Jason attended elementary and high school in Edson. Although very intelligent, Jason was not an enthusiastic student. Jason excelled at self-learning regarding subjects of interest to him. As an adult, Jason also studied at Grant MacKewan University in Edmonton for a couple of years in Political Science.

Jason moved to Edmonton in 1999 for better access to medical facilities. He then moved to Vancouver in 2009 with his friend Clay. Although the climate there was much more agreeable for year around wheelchair mobility, Jason missed his family and returned to Edmonton in 2011. Jason’s employment history was sporadic but there were two notable jobs which held his interest. Jason enjoyed his employment with the Neil Squire Society in Vancouver where he had the opportunity to develop his interest in writing in addition to his administrative duties. Recently Jason became employed at Mindbuffs in Sherwood Park as a client engagement coordinator. He was thoroughly enjoying the variety and community contact that the job afforded him.

Jason had many interests. He volunteered for years at the Edmonton Expo Comic Con and was also involved with the Spina Bifida Association. Jason enjoyed music and especially singing and playing the harmonica. Jamming with friends, karaoke and open mics at local bars were a source of joy for Jason. Jason enjoyed reading, playing strategic games such as Dungeons and Dragons, Settlers of Catan and Risk, cooking, gardening, keeping in touch with friends and family, doting over his cat, exploring the outdoors, target practice, quadding, and anything new.

Jason had a great sense of humour and a positive outlook on life despite his health challenges.  Jason enjoyed long philosophical discussions. He found an outlet for his creativity in writing, composing music and cooking.

Jason is survived by his mother Sheryl (Emile) Dubois, father Ken Olson, sisters Eva Olson, Breanna Olson (Nick Wiebe), and Brandon Olson, step-sister Erin Pudlo, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as his beloved cat Handsome Bruce. He was predeceased by both sets of grandparents, and an uncle, Colin Olson.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday August 21, 2024, at Holy Trinity Church, 4407-7th Ave Edson, Alberta at 11:00 am. Pastors Johnny Pooten and Doug Heine will lead the service. Interment of his ashes will take place later at a family service at Wilhelmina Lutheran Church near Camrose, Alberta.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jason’s memory can be made to the Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association of Northern Alberta, 11010-101 Street NW, #400, Edmonton, Alberta, T5H 4B9. www.sbhana.org.

 Jason loved and was dearly loved by family and friends. He will be missed.

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