It is with sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle, Nicholas Oglow, pioneer of Castlegar, BC. He passed away October 12, 2013 at Castleview Care Centre.
Nick was born in Pincher Creek, Alberta on December 8, 1918 of Doukhobor ancestry. He was blessed with 94 years of life.
Nick was raised in Winlaw and Glade, BC. One of his first jobs was as a carpenter’s helper with his Dad and brothers. His entrepreneurial spirit began at an early age when he purchased the Dollar Dry Cleaners in Trail, BC. He later bought a grocery store and gas station in Thrums, BC. After that he started a new dry cleaning business in Castlegar where the existing Oglow building stands today.
In the 1950’s Nick was instrumental with his brothers Bill, Pete and Paul in starting Oglow Brothers Building Supply and Oglow Building Contractors. Over the years they built many of the regions landmarks. Nick later worked with his brother Paul at the Motor License office and continued to be involved with some aspect of family business well into his 70’s.
Nick was elected Chairman of the Village Council in Castlegar in the 1950’s. He was politically active almost all his life. In the 1960’s he ran as a candidate for the Liberal party.
Nick married the love of his life, Shirley, in 1977 and his family grew to include Grams, Nancy, Ken, and Grandpa George Hunter. Nick and Shirley enjoyed their many trips to Hawaii and also visited Hong Kong, China, Mexico, Cuba and even visited their exchange students in Japan.
He was elected and re-elected for 24 years to the Castlegar Hospital Board and is known to this day for his significant achievements such as proposing Talarico Place. He was also known for his progressive community ideas and served as the president of the Curling Club during the construction of the Castlegar curling rink. Nick had been a member of the Castlegar Golf Club since its beginning. He had undoubtedly committed himself to bettering the community of Castlegar serving eight years on Castlegar Municipal Council. Nick chaired the building committee for the Castlegar United Church and was a life time member of the Doukhobor Historical Society. He was a long standing member of the Kiwanis Club and in 2010 Nick and his brother Paul were recognized as joint Castlegar Citizens of the Year.
Nick was an avid athlete from early on and as a young man he became manager of a Teen Town Softball Team that became champions. He was an avid golfer, curler and downhill skier, a sport that he did well until almost 80 years old.
Nick is survived by his loving wife Shirley, daughter Nancy Tremblay, son Ken Hunter-Oglow (Wanita) and many special nieces and nephews. He was a proud grandfather of Caleisha, Taylor, Jaden and Abigail. Nick was predeceased by his son-in-law Dan, his devoted parents Tom and Martha (Wishlow), brothers William, Pete & Paul and Uncle Jack Wishlow.
As an expression of condolence, donations in Nick’s memory may be made to: Castlegar & District Hospital Foundation, 709 10th St, Castlegar, BC V1N 2H7 or online at www.castlegarhospitalfoundation.org
The family extends their grateful thanks to Dr. Merritt and the Castleview Care Team.
A memorial service will be held at the
Castlegar United Church, 809 Merry Creek Rd.,
Saturday, October 19, 2013 at 10:30 a.m.
with Reverend Marcella Mugford officiating.
Interment will take place at Park Memorial Cemetery
Rest in Peace