THORVALDUR (THOR) STEFAN PALSON

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THORVALDUR (THOR) STEFAN PALSON Afi passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 12, 2006 at the Johnson Memorial Hospital in Gimli Manitoba. Thor was born on December 8, 1926 at the family homestead Reykholar. He attended school in Riverton, began working at 15 years of age and later settled and raised his family at the farm. As a heavy equipment operator, Dad worked on many northern hydro projects (Gillam and Jenpeg) and at various construction sites throughout Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan. His life was an adventure; he loved to travel and meet people, he loved nature and the outdoors, quiet times at the lake, hunting and fishing, farming, music, reading, gardening, mechanics, woodworking and most of all, spending time with his family and dear friends. Fall harvest, the migration of the geese, scouting fields, the arrival of the American Hunters and annual hunting adventures were times he treasured and looked forward to, right up to last fall. The farm has always been his home and life until recently, when he decided it was time for a change, and he relocated to Gimli Betel. His life was fulfilled and he was content. Afi was very proud of his Icelandic heritage, traditions and family, he set high standards and expectations, he lived life to the fullest and played the cards he was dealt, he was very stubborn and opinionated (a trait many of us have inherited), he had a true heart of gold and was always there to encourage, support, love and comfort us whether we needed him or not. He loved his family dearly, his grandchildren brought him great joy and pleasure and he was a true friend. Thor is lovingly remembered by his five daughters; Susan (Elwyn Smerchanski), Linda (Craig Oddleifson), Donna (Stefan Stevens), Helga (Robert Dahlman), Heather (Pete Bobbie); grandchildren, Marcie and Neil, Kristin, Darren and Laura, Lynne, Amanda and Steven, Mitchell, Warren and Eric; sister Mae (Oli Anderson); brothers, Wilbert (Olga), Oli (Inga), Albert (Valerie) and sisters-in-law Pat, Gunna Sigurdson, Inga Johnson, Vilborg Thordarson (Norman), Alice Sigurdson, Lily Schooley (Dick) and Darlene Daniels (Bob). He was predeceased by his parents Ebbi and Villa, wife Freda, infant grandson Ryan, sisters Helga, Ebba, Bogga and Steinunn, brother George and many other special family members. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 18 at 2:00 p.m. in the Riverton-Hnausa Lutheran Church, Riverton, MB, Pastor Trudy Thorarinson officiating. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Riverton-Hnausa Lutheran Church, or the charity of one's choice. Peacefully sleeping, free from pain, rest dear Afi, til we meet again. ELSKA AFI Arborg MacKenzie Funeral Home, in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 16, 2006