Elaine Carol (Olsen) Gee

Elaine Gee, as we know her, was born Elaine Carol Olsen on May 26, 1936, on the family farm near Simmie, Saskatchewan. She was the last child born to Alice and Ole Olsen, joining a family of four sisters, and one brother. Simmie is a small town located in southern Saskatchewan, about forty miles south-west of Swift Current.

Elaine’s dad was a hard-working, industrious Norwegian immigrant, who had arrived in this area in 1909, after a short stay in Wisconsin, U.S.A. Her mother Alice was born in Kansas, U.S.A. and was of a similar heritage. After proving up the original homestead, they bought another farm, which became the home quarter. In 2010, a Centennial celebration was held by the family, marking the 100th anniversary of the Olsen farm.

This area of Saskatchewan is true prairie, with few trees, hot summers and cold winters. This area was hit particularly hard during the depression years of the 1930’s, when no rains came, and precious top soil blew away. Many homesteaders pulled up stakes and left for greener pastures.

However, the Olsen family hung on and eventually prospered through hard work and determination. Elaine grew up in a cozy, comfortable farmhouse with her large family. Her mother, Alice, was an energetic and capable homemaker. As was the case with most farm wives of that era, she sewed and knitted all of the family’s clothing. She grew big gardens and preserved food for the winter.

Elaine attended a near-by, one-room country school, Pelletier Hill, from Grades one to eight. Of course, the Olsen family had been well represented for years ahead of her. Her memories of those years include: travelling to school by horse and buggy in summer and by sled in winter, the thrill of a new dress for the Christmas concert, the fun of Field Days with neighbouring schools, ball games, and picnics. These were all staples in the lives of prairie kids in the 30s, 40s, and 50s.

Elaine took Grades 9&10 by correspondence. She lived with her sister Beulah in a teacherage, at another one-room country school where her sister taught. They were able to go home most weekends.

Elaine took her last two years of High School in Swift Current. During her Grade 11 year, she met someone who was destined to become her life partner. His name was Gordon Gee. He was her date for her Grade 12 graduation in 1954, and the rest is history.

After graduation Elaine found employment with the Bank of Montreal in Swift Current for a couple of years. Meanwhile, Gordie worked for an oil-drilling company, hauling oil-rigs all over the prairie provinces.

Gordie and Elaine got married in Swift Current on May 4, 1956, in a lovely ceremony, surrounded by family and friends. Shortly after, they moved to Estevan, Sask., to begin their new life together. It was here that Gordie bought his first truck, soon followed by a second, beginning what would eventually become a large trucking company.

Elaine gave birth to her first baby, a son they named Timothy Hardy, on May 31, 1957. In 1958, they relocated to Edmonton, where they were to reside for the next seven years. A second child, a girl, they named Leslie Fay, arrived on December 17, 1959.

While Elaine was busy caring for two small children and keeping the household running, Gordie’s Trucking began taking on contracts to deliver goods (mainly oil-drilling equipment) to the Yukon and points further north. It soon became apparent that there would be many good opportunities for a trucking company in the Yukon.

In 1965, the family moved to Whitehorse, Yukon. They bought a home in Riverdale, and set up a place of business for Gordie’s Trucking.

Although busy raising two children, Elaine always took a very active role in the operation of the company. She took care of the office, and earned the title of Chief Financial Officer. The company grew, and the name was changed to Yukon Freight Lines, in 1972.

Both Gordie and Elaine were dedicated curlers, and were members of the Whitehorse Curling Club for many years. They travelled to bonspiels in every Yukon community that had a curling rink. This included places that no longer exist, such as Clinton Creek, Pleasant Camp, and Cassiar, B.C. As well as participating locally, they have both represented the territory at national bonspiels. Elaine has put together a very impressive collection of pins, ribbons, pictures, and memorabilia, from her thirty years involved with curling in the Yukon. They were also great supporters of local community groups and organizations.

During these years, Elaine took pleasure in hosting the company Christmas party, and many dinner parties for friends, in their lovely home.

A very great interest in sprint car racing, beginning with Gordie in the 7’s, Tim in the 80s and 90s, and now grandson Skylar in 2019, has been a huge part of Elaine’s life. Now in her 80s, Elaine will often travel to points in the U.S.A. to watch her grandson race, and be a part of the support team.

After selling the company in 1980, Gordie and Elaine were free to follow the Outlaw Racing Circuit in earnest. They relocated to Jamestown, Indiana, for a few years, and travelled all around the U.S. As well, in later years, they enjoyed travels to Hawaii, a Panama Cruise, a tour of Europe, and countless trips between Yukon and the prairie provinces, to visit family.

Sadly, Gordie passed away in January, 2019, after battling Alzheimers for several years. Elaine and family cared for him at home as long as they could, then faithfully visited him daily while he was at Copper Ridge Care Facility.

Elaine continues to live a busy, productive life, enjoying her many blessings. Foremost among these would be her two children, and her five grandchildren, and so far, three great grandchildren.