Obituary of Jostein Magnus Aasland

August 22, 1948 – Stavanger, Norway

January 20, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our loving father, Jostein Magnus Aasland, on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at the age of 75 years.

Jostein was born in Stavanger, Norway on August 22, 1948. He immigrated to Canada in 1957 with his parents and two younger brothers. In 1967, he graduated from Lloydminster High School and enlisted in the Air Force. 

Joe attended the University of Saskatchewan, which was the start of many hours spent with computers.

Following graduation, he travelled to Norway to visit family before travelling to India. He travelled to Japan to work as an English teacher. In Japan he learnt the art of pottery which he enjoyed throughout his life. He met and married his wife Atsuko and moved back to Canada with their infant daughter Lisa. While living in Medicine Hat, his son Sol was born. Work in Oil and Gas took him to Edmonton, and then finally to Calgary.

He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and was also involved with the Vipassana Meditation Foundation.

Joe loved to garden, particularly growing and hybridizing poppies, which early retirement allowed him to spend more time doing. He enjoyed genealogy and making homemade jams and liqueurs.

He was truly proud of his children and grandchildren and loved spending time with them.  He was able to find and connect with his daughter Susanne, who he had given up for adoption while in university.

He will be most remembered for his wicked sense of humour and sharing his vast wealth of knowledge.

Jostein is survived by his children Susanne Ross, Lisa (Mike) Guest, and Sol (Julianne Larson) Aasland; his grandchildren, Madeleine (Sam McMahan) Ross, Aiden, and Evan Aasland-Guest; his brother Kaare (Carrie) Aasland, nephews Richard (Shellee) Hatlevoll, and Mark Steven (Lori) Hatlevoll; his niece Elizabeth Walvatne, and his companion of the past five years, Catherine Turner.

Jostein was predeceased by his parents Simmer and Signe Marie Aasland; his wife Atsuko Aasland (nee Hirano), his brother Kjell Aasland, his sister Hanna (Elwin)Walvatne, nephew Ove Hatlevoll, and his brother-in-law, Bjarne Hatlevoll.

A Private Visitation was held. A Celebration of Jostein’s Life will be held at a later date.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Jostein ’s family here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Vipassana Foundation, PO Box 84124 Market Mall. Calgary, AB, T3A 5C4, https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/alberta-vipassana-foundation/ or to Habitat for Humanity, 210-805 Manning Rd NE Calgary, AB T2E 7M8 Phone: (403) 253-9331, https://www.habitatsouthernab.ca/donate.

In living memory of Jostein Aasland, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.