"Where words fail, music speaks"
Don’s life began in a log cabin in Smith, a small community in Northern Alberta, on January 7th, 1934.
The youngest of four children, and only boy born to Clarence and Ruby Olson, Don quickly began to create a legacy which will live in the hearts of all who knew and loved him for years to come.
At the age of 15 years, Don knew that a life on the farm was not his calling. With only a few personal items and a fiddle, Don decided to follow his dream that would be the start of a life full of happiness, love, harmony and family.
During his teenage years, Don found any possible opportunity to celebrate his love for music which included everything from hoedowns, barn dances to radio shows. This passion for music led Don to the bustling city of Montreal, where he met his future wife, Elaine, a talented musician from the East Coast. From this chance meeting, it was evident to many that their musical partnership would develop into something even more meaningful—and it did.
On March 7, 1959, Don and Elaine were married at St. Kevin’s Cathedral in Montreal. Immediately following the ceremony, the newlyweds embarked on a cross-Canada tour with a group known as Scotty and the Nighthawks. With music as their main focus, the couple performed in many venues which eventually drew them closer to the red soil, vast waters and rolling hills of Prince Edward Island, Elaine’s homeland. Don fell in love again.
With many visits back and forth to PEI, Don and Elaine decided to make the Island their home. In 1963, the D-28 Lunch Bar, with the Big Guitar on the roof, opened its wicket to the public. The business grew, as did their family, with the birth of their two children, Tracey Layne in July 1967, and Melanie Anne in 1972. Over time, Don’s love for music was instilled in his family, and this sharing of music continues today.
Aside from being a musical legend in his own right, Don was a respected, loyal, dedicated, fun-loving husband, father, and friend to all who knew him.
Don will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Elaine; daughters, Tracey and Melanie; sons-in-law Bill and Roger; and grandchildren, Matthew, Sarah, Emma, Daniel and Aaron.
Heaven has gained a wonderful man. We will miss him.
Resting at Ferguson Funeral Home and Chapel, O’Leary with visiting hours on Sunday February 7, 2016 from 2-4 and 7-9p.m. and Monday until 10:00a.m., then to St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, Woodstock for funeral Mass at 10:30a.m. Interment in the Parish cemetery at a later date
In memory of Don, Memorials to Alzheimers Society or St. Anthony’s Cemetery Fund would be appreciated.
***Please note the visitation and funeral dates have changed due to the weather***