Elkader Sister Cities
International Program
In Memoriam - Edward William Olson
It is with a heavy heart that I am writing of the loss of our dearly beloved Edward Olson. For those of us who had the privilege to know him, our lives were forever imprinted with his kindness and generosity.
The man spent his life striving for the betterment of his community. But above all, and against all odds, he put Elkader on the world map by discovering Elkader namesake Emir Abd Elkader. He would describe him often and rightfully so as the George Washington of Algeria to emphasize the importance of the Emir in the future of his country.
He initiated a Sister City organization between Elkader, Iowa and Mascara, Algeria through Sister Cities International and as mayor led a delegation of Elkader citizens to Mascara in 1984 to make that proclamation official. “The trip was the most rewarding thing in my lifetime through the friendships we gained,” Ed once said.
Indeed friendship was gained, and the trip was followed by countless exchanges of citizens and students from both sides over the years.
Ed was a hero and a champion of open mindedness to his fellow citizens of the world. He loved to welcome you if he sensed you might be from Algeria with ASSALAMOU ALAYKOUM (May peace be upon you) and would always enjoy the surprised look on the face of the recipient of his message of peace.
He made Elkader, Iowa a welcoming place and a Mecca for all Algerians and Algerian Americans longing for their homeland. They would leave the place rejuvenated and promising to tell their families, friends and countrymen about a little piece of Algeria in the heartland of America, a place in the word called Elkader and about its own Emir, Edward William Olson.
To me and my partner, Ed was not only a hero, but a father in Elkader. He gave me a family and a place I am proud to call home.
His wish was not to mourn him but to celebrate his amazing life. Let us all do so by celebrating his life and amazing legacy in the footsteps of a hero of his, Emir Abd Elkader.
Ed you are an incredible act to follow but we will try our best. To me and many of my countrymen, you are and always will be an Algerian at heart.
May the Almighty grant us all, your family, friends, Algerians, and citizens of the world solace and comfort. We belong to him and to him we will return.
Dr. Frederique Fethi Boudouani PhDPresident of the Elkader Sister City Friendship Club