Tribute

Olof passed away peacefully at home after a lengthy illness. She was predeceased by her parents Oskar and Olga Johnson. Olof leaves to mourn her beloved husband Chris Nightingale of Powell River and sisters Bonnie Paetkau of Sechelt, Alda Grames of Halfmoon Bay and Heather Johnson of Vancouver. She was a caring, attentive aunt to 15, a great-aunt to 23 and a loyal sister-in-law to Wynne Nightingale (Andy), Jim (Julie) Nightingale, Leah Nightingale (Gary), Eric Paetkau and Gregory Kravec. Olof was born in Eriksdale, Manitoba. The granddaughter of Icelandic immigrants, her first language was Icelandic. She grew up on a farm surrounded by her extended family, attended a one-room school and, as the second of four daughters, was introduced to outdoor chores at an early age. She was proficient on a tractor and horsedrawn equipment before she was 10. She was athletic and competitive, even to the point of playing baseball on the community boy’s team. Olof finished high school in Hay River, NT, then taught for a year in Fort Simpson, NT, before returning to Manitoba to attend business college.

She rejoined her family in Whitehorse, YT, where she worked for many years before finally pursuing her dream to become a proficient draughtsman. She later attended college in Anchorage, Alaska. In the early 1970s, Olof relocated to Vancouver where she met Chris and the two formed a loving partnership, which lasted for more than 40 years. They married in 1986. Olof was welcomed by the entire Nightingale family, who provided her with continuing emotional support and encouragement.

Olof and Chris moved to Powell River in 1978 and together built their charming and original home in Southview. She changed careers one more time and devoted several years of faithful service to Powell River General Hospital. Olof and Chris enjoyed many trips to Mexico and South America before her health prevented further travel. She was kind, artistic, passionate, creative and, most of all, great company. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held at Cranberry Seniors Centre at 2 pm on Saturday, January 23. In Olof ’s memory, and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Powell River Food Bank.