Obituary

It is with a broken heart that we have to announce the passing of a pillar of the Penticton community, Shawn Olma.
Shawn is survived by his beloved spouse Lisa, dog Beck, mother Helene, father (the late) Kenneth, sister Shelly, brother Greg, niece Cassy, and nephews Tyler, Ethan, Emmit, and Wyatt. Along with the many cherished "chosen family" and adopted moms and dad. If you look in the dictionary under hard worker you would see a picture of Shawn. He prided himself on high levels of self-achievement and unique results. He was top shelf and pulled everyone around him up with him. He tried and achieved many things in his full life. As a young man starting with a paper route around the Maple Ridge family farm, he learned to be a talented woodworker and furniture maker in high school. He worked in construction with his father and uncles and was an electrician apprentice in his early 20s. He had stints of being a tow truck driver and a bartender, among other things. He was very proud of following in his father's footsteps as a pilot flying floatplanes on the BC coast which then lead him to work on tug boats. More recently he succeeded in real estate ventures, finance, as a business owner, home designer/builder, excavator operator, and plate packer rider. Shawn always lived life to the fullest! He had endless stories to tell, usually with a beer (or 2 ;)) and great music in the background. There were childhood memories of him and Greg eating like horses, muddy buddies with Shelly, and all the tricks and tortures those kids could think up. He told of entertaining camping follies when the whole family would load into the truck and camper off to Birkenhead Lake (summer and winter adventures) with John Denver playing. He had a passion for travel, adventuring through Thailand, a year around Australia with Greg, a few great trips to Africa, and he especially loved Hawaii. There was never a shortage of motorcycle adventure stories or personal tours of his motorcycle collection. His most recent pride was superbike school in Vegas for his 50th birthday. He reflected often on his escape into calm, as well as adventures, on the water during his boating life, highlighted by being the center boat during the snowbird shows. He loved BBQing and his well-stocked beer fridge. His current project of building his and Lisa's dream home while protecting and conserving the natural land and bird habitat on Eagles Rock brought joy and peace through Shawn's soul.  So many great memories and stories, all attached to great people that he cherished deeply.
Shawn had a surreal energy within and surrounding him that many had the pleasure to experience.
His legacy of LOVE, LAUGHTER, PLAYFULNESS (Batman), daily efforts to stay connected, reaching out to help people be the best they can be, and to teach when possible, will live inside all of us that have been blessed with knowing him. Shawn dreamed big and held nothing back, lived without regrets. He was passionate and proud while private and intimate. 
The loss of Shawn leaves a huge hole in all our hearts but even through tears, the memories are all good ones.
Celebrate when his energy passes through you.
Live without regrets and love with all you are.
Be proud of yourself
Cheers

Please share memories, pictures, and/or music in memory of Shawn's awesomeness.

If you are wanting to donate:
Shawn had a passion for animals, especially dogs and birds.
SPCA and SORCO

Although appreciated, flowers are gratefully declined.