Willard passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 19, 2017, at the age of 80 years while traveling in Newport Beach, California, one of his favorite places on earth.

Willard was born and raised on the family farm outside the small town of Vanscoy, near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He was the third of four boys born to mother Vesta Viola (Myers) Olauson (1910-1999), born in Logan, Iowa, and father Arnie Clarence Olauson (1903-1981) born in Hendrum, Minnesota.

Willard had an amazing life starting with his family roots on the farm, which is still a successful family operation. He went on to earn a degree in Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan in 1963, which lead him to Las Vegas to practice engineering until 1966, at which time he moved to Toronto to work for Ellis Don in construction until 1969, and later Richfield in Calgary until 1971. It was here in Calgary that Willard hit upon his true calling in Real Estate Development, where he co-founded Trojan Development in 1971, and later co-founded Opus Building Corporation in 1983, with partners Bernie Slogotski, Michael Evans, Bruce Wallace, Doug Oliver, and later Joe Shannon.

Willard enjoyed a very successful career while also traveling extensively throughout the world. He reveled in sharing his passions for life, business, and travel with family, friends, and business associates. Some of Willard's greatest professional accomplishments include the development of Opus 8 office tower, Interplex Office Park, and Stampede Station in Calgary to name a few, as well as being a founding partner with Morris Kowall, Harvey Thal, Marc Staniloff, Joe Shannon, and Gary Samuel in Royop Properties Corporation, formerly listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, and later sold to H & R Trust. Another of his greatest memories was a trip around the world with his oldest son Rick just a year before Rick passed away. Reminding us all to make time for loved ones and don't be afraid to set goals and strive for them!

Willard and Sheryl were active in various charity organizations in Calgary, where Sheryl took a lead role, while Willard delighted in helping family and friends in numerous ways, such as providing meaningful guidance and mentoring to younger generations, with the goal of genuine advancement of their lives.
Willard loved life and approached every challenge with vigor. Two of his favorite mottos when dealing with others were, "be prepared to go more than half way," and "think win-win." (Wise words to live by) He treasured the enrichment travel provided and encouraged it whenever possible and he delighted in sharing his infectious smile, and a warm hug, everywhere he went. He touched so many lives in his own special way and he will be missed dearly by all that knew him.

Willard is survived by Sheryl Olauson, son Kelly (Lisa) and their two daughters Jaden(11) and Summer(8), and granddaughter Tiffany(16), daughter to Richard (Rick) Olauson (predeceased 2005), first wife Donna Olauson, Willard's three brothers, Clinton, Ronald, and Larry and their 10 children and 18 grandchildren, and dear family friend Jose Mariano.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Resort at Pelican Hill (22701 Pelican Hill Rd S, Newport Coast, CA 92657) on Monday, October 23rd, 2017 at 1:00p.m-4:00p.m.

Those wishing to offer condolences can do so by sending an email to condolences@obc.com and by visiting www.mccormickandson.com/obituaries/Willard-Olauson

In living memory of Willard Olauson, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Calgary, AB, T2S 2L5, Telephone:403-243-8200.