Ivan Alexander Olmstead

OLMSTEAD: Ivan Olmstead of Carberry, MB passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, April 26th, 2019 at the Carberry Hospital at the age of 89 years. Ivan was the third child born to Percy and Clara Olmstead of Gregg, MB on November 17th, 1929. Elementary schooling was begun at Kerfoot School and continued in the Carberry Collegiate. After school, he helped on the family farm as well as trained as a construction electrician. In 1955 he found the love of his life, Marlene Mitchell, and together they established their home in the Petrel District, eventually welcoming three children: Lois, Donna and Murray to complete their family. After their marriage, Ivan continued to farm with his two brothers for many years. His farming operation began with beef cattle and grain, but expanded to include broiler chickens that number in 30,000 birds a cycle. He started out growing chicken for Kentucky Fried Chicken, Canada Packers and then Granny’s Poultry. Ivan served on the provincial and national marketing boards for more than 20 years. His faith in Jesus Christ was his driving force to serve his Lord, his church, and his community. He attended the Kerfoot United Church and in the later years, the Carberry United Church. He was a member of the Carberry Evangelical Free Church for the past 39 years. Ivan was a member of the Gideons for many years and had served as District Area Rep. It was a great joy to visit and minister in the areas of Brandon, Deloraine, Kola, Neepawa and Carberry camps. He was an entrepreneur, he could create a gadget to get a job done easier and more efficiently, he was the guy to call if you needed something fixed or a problem solved. Once they retired into Carberry in 1994, he wasn’t one to just sit around, he found many more projects that he could contribute to: Town Council for seven years, Library, Communities in Bloom and his biggest passion was the establishment of the Carberry sign. His woodworking shop was the place where he solved many problems with his creative juices. He in his workshop created thousands of walking sticks for Christian Farmers Organization and Wordless Walking Sticks Ministries along with mini-hockey sticks and garden stakes that are to this day in the hands of countless people who heard the saving message of the gospel through the story of the coloured beads. While Ivan worked on these items, he prayed for whomever would receive them and their spiritual welfare. Ivan was predeceased by his parents Percy and Clara, sister-in-law Merle Olmstead, brother-in-law, Ted Bradford and step-mother, Bessie Olmstead. He is survived by his loving wife, Marlene of 63 years, 3 children: Lois (Henry) Sevcenko of Minitonas, MB; Donna (Dave) Loewen of Carberry and Murray (Merrilynn) Olmstead also of Carberry, and seven grandchildren: Adam (JoEllen) Sevcenko, Thomas Sevcenko, Trevor (Lindsay) Loewen, Benjamin (Laurel) Loewen, Joshua Loewen, Dylan and Rebecca-Lynn Olmstead, as well as nine great-grandchildren: Abby, Luca and Ella Sevcenko; Olivia, Jack and Hunter Loewen; Evalette, Kaelem and Phoebe Loewen. He is also survived by his siblings Earle (Barb) Olmstead, Rheta Bradford, Neil (Linda) Olmstead as well as numerous nieces and nephews. All his family held a dear spot in his heart. He took great joy in watching his grand and great-grandchildren as they grew and developed. The funeral service at the Carberry Evangelical Free Church in Carberry, MB was held on May 1st, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastors Will Feldbush and Joel Friesen officiating. Guest pastors participating in the service of celebration were Ed Johnson and Eldon Babcock of Saskatchewan. Pallbearers were Ivan’s grandsons: Adam and Thomas Sevcenko, Trevor, Benjamin and Joshua Loewen, and Dylan Olmstead.
I’M FREEDon’t grieve for me, for now I am freeI’m following the path God has laid you see.I took His hand when I heard Him callI turned my back and left it all.I could not stay another dayTo laugh, to love, to work, to play.Tasks left undone must stay that wayI found that peace at the close of day.If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy.A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, oh yes, these things I too will miss.Be not burdened with times of sorrowI wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.My life’s been full, I savoured muchGood friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.Perhaps my time seemed all too briefDon’t lengthen it now with undue grief.Lift up your hearts, and peace to theeGod wanted me now; He set me free
 

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