OLING, Leslie Eric
January 8, 1947 - New Westminster, British Columbia
December 29, 2015 - Calgary, Alberta
Les Oling beloved husband of Pauline of Calgary, passed away on December 29, 2015 at the age of 68 years. Les is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Pauline; his son Eric (wife Amanda) of Beaverlodge (Grande Prairie), his daughter Lynda of Calgary, a granddaughter Samantha, and a sister Eileen Brooks of Oliver, BC.
Les was the only son born to Len (deceased 1962) and Elsie (deceased 1998, nee Sandback), and was raised on the banks of the Fraser River in the Albion area of Haney (now called Maple Ridge, BC). After high school graduation, Les couldn't wait to escape his "small town" and explore the bright lights and big city of Vancouver, just over an hour away. Once in Vancouver, Les went to Business College and took accounting and business related courses, and after about a year he landed a short-term assignment as a junior bookkeeper for a company building a large lighted display for Expo67. After that, he moved on to an accounting assignment at CCM (bike and sporting goods) for four years, and finally in 1971 he accepted a job at Shell Canada where he was very happily employed for over 32 years until he retired early in the fall of 2003. Les thoroughly enjoyed his career in finance and marketing at Shell in all of his carried assignments, and many business related travels across Western Canada. After his retirement, Les worked numerous contract assignments in the property management field for a number of years using his valuable system knowledge. As well, he truly enjoyed the Treasurer position at St. Andrew's United Church for almost 8 years until he could pass on his torch and his love of the job to another.
In 1967 at a Christmas party, he met Pauline (nee Cote) who became his best friend and life partner. They were engaged on Christmas Eve in 1970 and were married on September 11, 1971 in Richmond, BC. They lived in Vancouver at first and then in Surrey, before they were transferred in 1975 with Shell to Victoria where son Eric was born in early 1976. Then in 1978, they transferred back to the Vancouver / Richmond area where daughter, Lynda was born shortly thereafter, and where both children eventually started school. In 1985, the family transferred with Shell to Calgary, where they have happily resided since and embraced the western/prairie lifestyle. One of his most recent interests was delving into genealogy and discovering the roots of the "Oling" family name in Scandinavia back to the 1500's. He wrote a 60+ page book detailing his finds for future generations to appreciate.
As well, to relax he enjoyed working on his yard and flower garden, walking and exploring what was down the next road. His greatest joy was his family, of which he was extremely proud. He will be missed.
Memorial Services were held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road S.E.) on Monday January 4, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made
directly to the Canadian Diabetes Association, #204, 2323 - 32nd Avenue N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 6Z3 Telephone: (403) 266-0620, ext. 112, www.diabetes.ca. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.
In living memory of Les Oling,
a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: 1-800-661-1599.