MAURICE OLESON

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MAURICE OLESON (December 17, 1940 February 25, 2015) The family is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Maurice Kari Oleson who left us with the tears and prayers of family at his bedside. He was born in the fishing and farming community of Riverton, Manitoba to Emily and Kari Oleson and is survived by his sister Trygvine (Jim-deceased), brothers Kris (JoAnn), Dennis (Nukte), Brian (Joanne) and Fred as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Maurice was a brilliant student in high school and served as an important academic role model. He later earned a B.Sc Honours from the University of Manitoba (1963) and a PhD in Applied Mathematics from the University of Waterloo (1972) with a thesis which focused on Einstein's theory of relativity. He joined the Mathematics Department of Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) as a professor in 1972 until 2006 when he retired. At MUN, he was highly regarded for his devotion to teaching and his love of mathematics. He was a passionate mentor to students, coaching their skills in theory and presentation. In particular, his sense of humor was a treasure to all, often using his exceptional writing skills to highlight humorous life incidents in a manner that can only be described as "elegant". Maurice had many interests, especially his beloved cat Tiny and a passion for carpentry and renovation, traditional country music, his Icelandic heritage and language, playing pool and, in his younger years, hunting, trapping and a beautiful collection of butterflies. The family extends our appreciation to the caregivers in Newfoundland at the Miller Centre, caregivers (home care) and a special thanks to the many caring nurses and staff at Chancellor Park - 3rd Floor West Wing. We would also like to thank the many people who supported him and were so important to him, especially caregiver Stacey Ryan-Chipman, devoted niece Wendy Peppel, his dear friends Clayton, Nabil, Chin Chen, Mike and Mary and others from the MUN Mathematics Department, his close friends Don Rideout, Gordon (Patti) Quinton, John Lacey and his former colleague and dear friend Patrick McCarthy in Ireland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3L 0K6. The funeral service is in Gimli, Manitoba at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11 at the Lutheran Church. Gooa nott, elskan Maurice, vio munum sakna þin mjög mikio. (Icelandic: Good Night dear Maurice. We will miss you very much). NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
Publish Date: Mar 7, 2015

MAURICE OLESON Maurice Oleson, born and raised in Riverton, Manitoba passed away at age 74 in St. John's, Newfoundland. Full notice to follow on March 7. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
Publish Date: Mar 4, 2015

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 07, 2015