Memorable Manitobans: Roland Earl “Rollie” Olver (1892-1968)

Veteran, postmaster.

Born at Killarney on 1 February 1892, son of Richard Oliver (?-?) and Sarah Hill (1867-1914), he was educated at the Killarney School. His family came to Manitoba in 1882; his mother’s people settled near Boissevain and his grandfather Hill teamed his grain to Emerson and Brandon with oxen, and owned the first team of horses in the district.

On 12 December 1915, he enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force and served with the 144th Battalion in France and was later attached to the 8th Battalion. He saw service at Vimy Ridge, Arleux, and Fresnoy, and was wounded at Hill 70. Wounded in the left leg by a sniper's bullet, that leg was amputated at the hip. His right leg was also wounded. Invalided to Canada, he was discharged on 23 September 1918. He was appointed Postmaster of Killarney in December 1923. He was Secretary-Treasurer (1923-1924) and President (1925) of the Great War Veterans Association.

On 22 July 1925, he married Viva Hildred Bates (1903-1966) at Killarney. He was a member of Holy Trinity Anglican Church.

He died at Killarney on 15 March 1968 and was buried in the Killarney Cemetery.

Sources:

Attestation papers, Canadian Expeditionary Force, Library and Archives Canada.

Pioneers and Prominent People of Manitoba, Winnipeg: Canadian Publicity Company, 1925.

Marriage registration [Roland Oliver, Vina Hildred Bates], Manitoba Vital Statistics.

Obituary [Viva Hildred Olver], Winnipeg Free Press, 25 February 1966, page 15.

Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 18 March 1968, page 25.

Obituaries and burial transcriptions, Manitoba Genealogical Society.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough and Darryl Toews.

Page revised: 15 May 2024

Memorable Manitobans

Memorable Manitobans

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