OLIE LASSE ALTO

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OLIE LASSE ALTO It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Olie Lasse Alto on September 1, 2016. He was surrounded by family after a brief battle with cancer. He was predeceased by his parents, Lauri and Saimi. He is survived by Margaret, his wife of 63 years. He is also survived by his five children: Lauri (Linda), Mark (Linda), Jussi (Hilary), Tina (David Penny) and Peggy (Michael Guttormson); his 12 grandchildren: Garrett (Kat), Stacey (Melissa), Christopher (Yvonne), Meaghan (Adam Gallos), Jaime, Owen (Michelle), Kevin, Austin, Celina, Kristian, Aidan and Kieran; and eight great-grandchildren, Shaylan, Mark, Paige, Brianna, Lincoln, Anderson, Gwen and Annie. The only child of hard working Finnish immigrants, Olie was a proud Winnipeg North End' boy. During his early years and his time at Daniel McIntyre High School, he forged a lasting love of sports, music and people. While taking part in a University of Manitoba musical, The Red Mill, he met Margaret, a silvery-voiced beauty, and the rest is history. Married and planning a family, Olie was strongly encouraged, by his father-in-law, to supplement his acting career with a more stable "day job". So began a 40 year sales career, primarily in the printing business. As a well-known Winnipeg personality, he continued to perform on stage, television and film right up until this past spring. In 2013, Olie received the Lifetime Achievement Award from ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema,Television and Radio Artists); the result of his participation in over 200 movies, television shows and commercials. He had an amazing way of capturing, energizing and entertaining any room he entered, and could have taught a master's class in the "Art of Telling a Joke". Even near the end of his life and despite the burden of his illness, he was still able to charm medical staff and visitors with his vibrant personality. Hard work and practicality were trademarks of his character and these were demonstrated when Olie's present to Margaret for their first wedding anniversary was a load of manure for their yard. For many, many years, Olie worked full days in sales, and then headed to the Hollow Mug to perform in the dinner theatre until the wee hours of the morning, six nights a week. The long hours and frequent absences from the family prompted Margaret, at the dinner table one evening, to stand up and say "Children, I would like to introduce you to your father". While being on any stage was a passion, the energy for his soul came from The Pointe'. In the 1950s, Olie's parents built a home on a pristine stretch of the Winnipeg River downstream from the dam at Pointe du Bois, where they worked and lived. After their passing, the house became the family cottage. There are no words to describe the depth of his love for this place and the peace and joy it gave him. Olie will join his parents at Pointe du Bois, instilling the place he loved so much with his spirit. If performing was his passion and The Pointe was the energy for his soul, then his heart was fuelled by his love for Margaret and the family they created together. They were committed to each other through all the good and bad times during their 63 years together. Olie never lamented a lack of monetary wealth. He did comment often that his family made him the richest man in the world, and that it would guarantee his legacy long after he was gone. He passed knowing this was true. The family would like to thank the incredible staff at Victoria General Hospital for their support. We are pleased you got a chance to experience a little of this special man. To those who wish to donate something in Olie's name, please do so to the Victoria General Hospital Foundation. With deep sadness, love and joy, Team Alto will be hosting a Celebration of Life at the St. Charles Country Club on Tuesday, October 4, 2016. Walk in and share your stories with us from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Family reflections will take place at 3:00 p.m. Olie had a long life, well lived. We miss you so much already! We love you! Bardal Funeral Home 204-774-7474 Condolences www.bardal.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 10, 2016