It is with sadness that we announce the death of Constantine Oltean. Born in Saskatchewan January 9, 1928, “Con” or “Uncle” as he was affectionately know, succumbed to pneumonia at the Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops with his faithful puppy, Patsy, at his side on Sept 20th 2011.
Con had many passions in life. He loved to build and proudly carried in his wallet his Alberta Department of Labour Certification as a Journeyman Carpenter which he received in 1969. He was very creative and had many inventions and nik naks to make gardening, wine making, wood working and fishing, that much easier and successful. Con loved to cook. He would provide lunch on fishing trips and his fishing companions often wondered if the trip was more about the food than it was the fishing as fried chicken, potatoe salad, canned fruit, fresh veggies and more were spread out for the indulging. The kitchen was a place where he was at home and having lived through hard times, nothing was wasted. Leftovers were stored for future use and his shelves were lined with canning and preserves. Gardening was another passion as Uncle had a very green thumb. He found pleasure in growing and preserving the fruits of his efforts. In later years, fly fishing became a passion and Con took up fly tying. His basement held a corner dedicated to fly tying and he would often take his creations to fellow fly fishers for their inspection and approval. The last 4 years, Uncle Con spent at Serenity Acres where Con received fabulous care. Con was very ill when he began to reside at Serenity, but quickly, Con was part of the family. The home cooking and care provided, brought Uncle a quality of life he enjoyed fully until his passing. With Patsy ever at his side, Con brought a smile and an unexpected sense of humor to his friends and care aids at Serenity. Sunday mornings became a highlite for Uncle as renewed faith kindled a joy in his spirit together with church family. He was truly enjoying life at 83 years of age when his body weakened and Uncle slipped into eternity. Uncle Con will be laid to rest as per his wishes at Mount Ida Cemetery 11:00 am on Thursday September the 29th. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 1:00pm at the Cedar Center in Blind Bay with lunch to follow.
Arrangements entrusted to FISCHER’S FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORIUM LTD., Salmon Arm (250) 833-1129. EMAIL condolences and share memories at www.fischersfuneralservices.com.