Peter Eric Olsen passed away peacefully in his home on March 8, 2021 at the age of 94. He will be remembered by all who knew him as an intelligent, kind person with a ready smile and a “yes, indeed!”
Peter was born in Duncan and grew up in Victoria, BC, son of Dr. Martin L. Olsen (Doc) a local veterinarian and Anne Olsen, devoted mother and adopted mother to many. He was well known at Victoria High School for his dramatic, artistic, and athletic talents in track and swimming. He performed with the Glee Club and drama productions. In 1945 he left Victoria to attend Colorado A&M University, his father’s alma mater, to study veterinary medicine. He joined Sigma Chi fraternity and managed to find the time, despite rigorous academic demands, to take leading roles in drama productions, swim on the varsity team, and stage class dances and pep rallies. During his senior year he won the Moss Essay Contest for his essay on ethics which became a stepping-stone to a coveted internship at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston.
In 1957 Peter established the Wilton Hospital for Animals in Wilton, Connecticut. He married and had four daughters. While running a nationally recognized veterinary practice he found time to play golf and maintain a 2 handicap, perform many leading roles for The Wilton Playshop, and travel around the world.
After his retirement from veterinary medicine in 1971 Peter and his family moved to Guadalajara, Mexico, where Peter envisioned a second career as an avocado rancher. This dream was thwarted by a car accident and a head injury shortly after arriving in Mexico. He returned to Victoria in 1973, after his divorce and spent many pleasant years here driving about town in his Austin Mini, playing golf, enjoying his photography and slide shows, and nurturing his garden. He will be missed by the many friends and family members who loved and supported him.
Peter is predeceased by his sister, Shirley Mellor and survived by his sister Jan Pallister; daughters Torie (Lupe), Anne, Martha (Michael) and Alie; granddaughters Shannon and Katie; lifelong friend Zakia, as well as an extended family of nieces and nephews and their children throughout Canada and the US.
Due to COVID, there will be a small family-only graveside service. A Celebration of Life will be held via Zoom on Saturday, March 20th, 2021 (for details please contact the family).
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de DrPeter Eric Olsen November 10 1926 March 8 2021..
mccall gardens funeral and cremation service
Décès pour la Ville: Victoria, Province: Colombie britanique