Biography
In 1956, Lyndy Olson started at CFCW, Camrose as a writer, became an announcer and an operator, and hosted a Kiddies Show and the Oldtimers Western Hit Parade (How’s the latter for covering the age groups?). Little did he know that his destiny lay in the technical field of broadcasting.
Indicative of the respect he had earned in the tasks he had thus far performed, in 1960, Lyndy was asked to take over the Chief Engineer’s job at CFCW. With some trepidation, he accepted. Almost immediately he was faced with a serious task. The station received approval to move to a different spot on the dial, with an increase in power to 10 KW. With that mission successfully accomplished, he never looked back! In 1973, there was another power increase to 50 KW, and in 1979 Lyndy designed and put CKRA-FM, Edmonton, on the air. Four years later found him really busy installing CHRK-FM in Kamloops, B.C., while at the same time building a dream studio in Camrose. When Newcap purchased CIRK-FM in Edmonton in 1998, Lyndy participated in the move of its studios to a different location, and moved the CFCW studios as well. He capped his career in 2001 by installing a new digital 50 Kw transmitter at Camrose. In December of that year, being 65, Lyndy retired.
filed 2007
Obituary
Lyndon “Lyndy” Willis Lyle Olson
(November 20, 1936 – March 4, 2013)
Lyndon (Lyndy) was born on November 20, 1936 in the house of the Olson family farm. He was the second son of Elmer and Cecelia Olson. Lyndy attended Baldrnstein School, and graduated from the Camrose Lutheran College. On October 9, 1965, Lyndy married the love of his life Elaine Hendricksen. They raised two daughters, Kristi and Lynnette.
Lyndy was a great husband, father, and “Papa”. He had a gift for telling stories and cracking silly jokes. Family gatherings were always a time filled with good conversation and plenty of laughter.
Lyndy had a passion for radio and electronics. He was fortunate to work in a job that combined both of these interests. Lyndy’s career as Chief Engineer of the radio station CFCW spanned over 42 years.
Lyndy was very involved with his community. He taught radio to the air cadet squadrons for 12 years. He also taught amateur radio classes and approximately 42 students received their license under his instruction. He was an active member of the Rose City Amateur Radio Club.
Lyndy was a lifelong member of Messiah Lutheran Church. He served on council, taught Sunday School, studied Stephen Ministry and participated in many other forms of faithful service.
Lyndy had many hobbies and interests and enjoyed working with his hands. He did all the plumbing, wiring, and finish carpentry in their acreage home. He also enjoyed yard work and gardening. In later years, Lyndy took interest in metal lathing. He made several miniature steam engines and other metal parts. Lyndy was also an amateur Ham Radio operator for 52 years, and thoroughly enjoyed listening to the air waves and talking to people all over the world.
Lyndy had a deep appreciation for music and as much as he loved playing the electric “gretsch”, he grew fond of the classical guitar. Lyndy had hours of enjoyment learning pieces by Segovia, Tarrega, and of course Chet Atkins. He shared his joy of music with others and played the guitar for many community events.
Lyndy had a deep Christian faith and he was a positive influence on his family and friends. He gave freely the gifts of love, generosity, thoughtfulness and wisdom. We cherish fondly his zest for life, his gentle spirit, and his sense of humor.
Lyndy will be lovingly remembered by his wife Elaine; daughters Kristi and Lynette (Brett) Woodrow; granddaughters Brielle and Anikah; sister Donna (Robert) Luce; brother Byron (Penny); brother Theodore (Joanna); brother Daryl (Leslie); brother-in-law Dean (Elsa) Hendricksen; sister-in-law Kathy (James) Lee; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Lyndy’s presence in our lives will be greatly missed.
A Funeral Service will be held 1:00 p.m., Monday, March 11, 2013, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Camrose (4810 – 50th Street), with Bev Swanson and Rev. Ken Grambo officiating. Interment will take place in the Camrose Cemetery.
If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to Augustana Music Conservatory, The Kidney Foundation, or to Messiah Lutheran Church.
