Ralph Melvin Olund

June 20, 1952 - May 12, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dad, Ralph Melvin Olund.

Following a sudden and brief stay in Penticton Hospital, Ralph passed away on May 12th, 2025, at the age of 72.

Dad was the youngest of four children, born in Mt Lehman, BC on June 20th, 1952, to parents Edwin and Inga Olund. He was raised on the family farm; in the house his parents built on Spallin Avenue. His childhood and formative years were spent stomping the grounds of Mt Lehman where he made several lifelong friends & met his first wife, Colleen.

He and Colleen had two daughters, Leanne and Jesse, and he was Dad to Colleen's son TJ also. His only grandson, Jesse's Mattias, was the apple of his eye. Dad lived in Mission most of his adult life, raising his children there, and it is where he met & married his second wife, Maureen Kelly.

In retirement, Dad bought property in the small town of Hedley, BC. Here, he married his third wife, Shelley Hanson. Dad spent his last few years there, happily growing his garden, puttering with projects in the house, and charming his way into the hearts of his new neighbours.

The community of Hedley and the friends he made there will miss him deeply.

Ralph was a skilled carpenter by trade, a craft he not only practiced professionally but also pursued with passion in his personal life, always finding joy in creating things. Sometimes he was building houses, sometimes it was furniture, but he always had his hands on something.

Beyond his hands-on talents, Ralph possessed a profound love for the natural world and the cosmos. He delighted in growing things, nurturing life in his garden, and had a keen interest in astronomy, often looking to the stars with wonder. A true adventurer at heart, Ralph held a special affection for the Yukon. Above all, he cherished moments of laughter and camaraderie with his beloved friends and family.

Ralph is survived by his children, Leanne Payne (Jason), Jesse Olund (Ryan), and TJ Baker, and his grandson, Mattias. He also leaves behind his siblings, sister Betty and brother Dexter (Cheri). Ralph was predeceased by his parents, Edwin and Inga Olund, his brother, Brian, brother-in-law Peter & sister-in-law Dalia, and his wife Shelley Hanson.

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life for Ralph will be held on June 20th, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Matsqui Village Park in Matsqui (Abbotsford) BC.

All who knew and loved Ralph are welcome to join us. This date would have marked Ralph's 73rd birthday and is also the Summer Solstice, a day of significant meaning to him as a lover of astronomy. We would love to see you there to honour his memory.