H. Ward Olander

H. Ward Olander H. Ward Olander, a true son of Pittsburgh and a matchless original, passed on January 3, 2016. He lived his life for 87 years in a jazz improvisation, serving as an impresario, catalyst, bon vivant, mentor and visionary - father, friend and beloved. Born to Hallie Ward and Herbert Olander in Ann Arbor, MI on June 27, 1928 he grew up in and around the Pittsburgh area. Ward served in the US Army in post-war Japan and returned to receive his Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He started work with Allis-Chalmers in Milwaukee, WI where he met and married the love of his life, Shirley Haberman. Ward joined his mother Hallie as a business partner in Olander Housing Service in his treasured Pittsburgh. Along with Shirley he grew the business into Real Estate Enterprises, eventually incorporating his two sons, Kai and Lars, into the business. Always the visionary, Ward contributed to Pittsburgh's 1st Renaissance through his many urban renewal projects in Oakland, the Strip District, downtown, Shadyside and East Liberty. A man of varied and eclectic interests, Ward was deeply engaged with and excited by jazz, film collection, cars, and great food and drink - expanding that interest to create four restaurants (Top Shelf and Dr. Jekyll's). His great love was engaging with people, humor and ideas, and his life focus was his family, friends, work and his many passions. Ward was known around town by his never-changing ponytail, his large belt buckles and his steadfast belief in his own opinions. Husband of 60 years to Shirley Olander; brother of Mary Jeanne Longworth of Winchester, KY and Martin (Barbara) Olander of Blue Point, NY; cool and creative father of Holly (Vladimir) Harris, Circe (Denny) Curley, Echo (Sonny Schneidau) Olander, Kai (Pina) Olander, Lars (Marybeth) Olander and Portia (Deke) Jackson; grandfather of Kir (Elise), Tor and Alina Harris; Bergen and Majken Curley; Marina and Ana Olander; Kelsey, Kevan, Kristen, Kyle and Kristofer Olander; Connor and Chloe Jackson; great -grandfather of Faye Harris; uncle and supportive and guiding force to many. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Manchester Craftsmans' Guild or a charity of your choice. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 11:00 am at the First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh, 605 Morewood Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Friends and family are encouraged to contact Thomas M. Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, Ltd. at 412-828-5700, to speak at either the funeral service or luncheon. www.thomasmsmithfh.com

H. Ward Olander

June 27, 1928 - January 3, 2016