Obituary of Lockie George Ostlund

The family of Lockie George Ostlund regret to inform the community of the passing of their husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather on Friday, January 27, 2023 at Dunrovin Park Lodge nursing home in Quesnel, BC.

Lockie was born on the farm in Broadview, Saskatchewan on July 7, 1934, the youngest of five children born to Ole and Hilda Ostlund. As a young boy, he helped out on the farm and started the fire in the furnace at the local school for 25 cents per day. He was also a delivery boy in the hardware department of the Co-op store in Broadview. When he was a bit older he played accordion for dances in the area. He never learned to read music but played exceptionally well by ear. His first adult job was for the Canadian Pacific Railroad, for the Broadview/Brandon subdivision, starting as Wiper (servicing the steam engine) to Hostler (boss over the Wipers) to Fireman (shovelling coal into the engine).

In the fall of 1954, at the age of 20, Lockie ventured out to Quesnel to pursue a job in the logging industry. He was a cat operator for a number of local logging firms, namely A.S. King Logging Ltd., Thideman Logging Ltd., Amboy Logging Ltd. and Upland Logging. He made many good friends through his logging employment, a number of them having travelled from the Prairies as well.

In 1956, Lockie met his future wife, Lorraine Johnson, and they were married on October 3, 1959 in Quesnel. Lockie and Lorraine built their first home on some acreage on the Old Prince George Highway and the birth of their daughters Tammy and Danita followed. In 1971, they built The Willow Inn Motel on Front Street, which they owned and operated until 1977, when they moved to a home on Hydraulic Road. In 1989 they moved back into town, and in 2017 Lockie made his final move into Dunrovin Park Lodge.

Lockie loved country and western music and so there was always music in their home. Lockie played accordion for many dances around Quesnel and area, playing with such bands as Country Touch, Little Bit Country, and Country Squires. He made some very close friends through his love of music.

Lockie enjoyed hunting in his younger days. He also enjoyed a game or two of cards, and later in life he particularly enjoyed the weekend coffee or breakfast dates with family and friends. He could always be coaxed into playing a few tunes on the accordion at a family gathering, and he loved to talk about the “good old days” on the farm. Talking to his grandchildren always brought a twinkle to his eyes and a smile to his face, and this past year he was also blessed with two great grandchildren.

Lockie is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lorraine Ostlund, daughters Tammy (Trevor) Guldbransen of Quesnel, and Danita Ostlund of Russell, Ontario, grandchildren Amber (Ben) Matthew of Quesnel, Kelsey (Ryan Bloom) Guldbransen of Prince George, and Lucas, Ryan and Joel Knight of Russell, Ontario, and two great grandchildren, Maren Matthew and Bennett Bloom. He will be missed by family and friends near and far.

Lockie was predeceased by his parents, Ole and Hilda Ostlund, his brothers Lennart, Wilbert and Harvey Ostlund and his only sister, Audrey King.

The family are grateful for the care and compassion the staff at Dunrovin Park Lodge extended to Lockie during his stay there.

There will be no funeral service by request. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lockie’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.