JOHANN VILHJALMUR ARNASON (JOE)

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JOHANN VILHJALMUR ARNASON (JOE) June 18, 1914 June 20, 2007 It is with great love and sorrow that we announce the passing of our dear father Joe. Dad endured his lengthy hospital stay with dignity as he had lived his entire life. His family was a constant source of love and strength and they shared many wonderful times. Joe was predeceased by his wife Clarice (2004), his daughter Brenda Luprypa (2005), his parents, Petra and Gudjon Arnason, his brothers and sisters-in-law, Baldi (Runa), Valdi, Ted, Frank (Marie) and Charlie and sisters and brother-in-law, Laura Holm (Julius), Margaret Markusson and his dear niece Jill Arnason who was in Palliative Care with him. Left to cherish his memory is his brother Willie Arnason (Donna-Mae), sister Bernice Arnason, sisters-in-law, Marjorie Arnason, Lorraine Arnason, Jona Eyolfson, Kris Bolton, brother-in-law Albert Markusson and life long friend Stefan Stefanson. Dad will be lovingly remembered by all his children, Dick Arnason (Kathy Marks), Carol MacDonald (Hugh), Terry Verbiwski (Barry), Leslie Arnason (Amy), Sheila Isfeld (Ron), Dwayne Arnason, Sandra MacVicar (Wayne) and son-in-law Danny Luprypa. His kind heart and gentle spirit will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren and great- grandchildren; Toby Noiles (Rob-Chelsi and Natasha), Johann Arnason (Ashley Pawluk), Joanna Baron, Erik Grimolfson, Alana Grimolfson, Hugh MacDonald Jr. (Kyla), Heidi MacDonald, Heather Fontaine (Troy-Josie, Ella and Bobby), Nancy Ross (Tim-Camille), Tim Verbiwski, Jeff Arnason, Samara, Tabitha and Danny-Jo Luprypa, Charity Vagi (Adam Johanna and Addison), Nicole Arnason, Michelle Alexander (Stefan- Jacob and Charlotte) and Riley and Tanner MacVicar. Dad was born on Hecla Island and raised at Espiholi, the family farm south of Gimli. He was one of ten children raised by loving, hard working parents, Petra (Petrina Baldwinsdottir) and Gudjon Arnason. He was immensely proud of his Icelandic Heritage. Family and friends never tired of hearing of his many true life experiences and adventures. He and his older brother Baldi shared a unique bond of friendship that lasted throughout their lives. They were partners in every business venture. As a young man Dad went to play hockey in Timmons, Ontario and was given a job in the mine. He returned home soon after as he worried that the fishing season was about to start and Baldi would have to fish alone. Baldi and Dad were not only brothers but the best of friends. Dad was predeceased by Baldi in February 2007. Dad met and married our dear mother Clarice Arason and they shared 64 years of marriage. They travelled to fishing camps on Lake Winnipeg where Mom cooked for the crew and Dad fished. When the war broke out Dad joined the Air Force. They moved to the West Coast with their first son, Dick. When the war ended they returned to Gimli and raised their family. Baldi and Dad started Arnason Motors. Later Dad and his brothers ventured into Construction, while the brothers operated Arnason Construction out of Winnipeg, Dad remained in Gimli. The brothers were very innovative and developed Willow Island as a resort which has now become a year round residential and cottage development. Later Dad operated Arnason Furniture along with his partner, son Leslie and daughter Brenda. All this time Dad continued to be involved in his community. He belonged to the Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis and the Rotary Club. He was a charter member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Gimli Branch No. 182 and last summer received his 60th Anniversary pin. He loved to curl and was an avid hunter with his brothers and three sons. Dad instilled in his children the value of family and friendships. There was always room at our table for one more. Kindness is how he lived his life. Dad was the kind of man that could never look the other way when someone needed his help. He was truly a gentleman. Numerous nieces, nephews, friends, acquaintances and the people in the community of Gimli will have wonderful recollections of our Dad, Joe. He was a compassionate, friendly, honest and courageous man. We were so blessed to have had him in our lives. The motto he lived by was What you put into the lives of others will one day come back into your own . The family wishes to thank Dr. R.C. Patel, ALL the INCREDIBLE STAFF of Gimli Hospital from the nurses, cleaning staff and kitchen staff who went beyond the call of duty to be so kind to our Dad and all his family, also Brenda Krulicki and homecare staff, Angie, Amanda, Lucille, Steve, and Connie Shimnowski-Magnusson (Palliative Care). A celebration of Dad's life will be held Monday June 25 at 2:00 p.m. at the Gimli Park Pavillion, 4th. Avenue. Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Johann Arnason, Jeff Arnason, Riley MacVicar, Tim Verbiwski, and son-in-laws, Barry Verbiwski and Ron Isfeld. Honorary Pallbearer is his grandson Hugh MacDonald Jr. Ushers will be his nephews: Cameron Arnason and Brad Arnason. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ladies Auxiliary, Palliative Care c/o Gimli Community Health Centre, Box 250, Gimli, MB ROC IBO or the Gimli Spray Park (for children), Box 378, Gimli, ROC IBO or the Charity of your choice. TO MY FAMILY I go from you gently for it is my time To take the next step In this journey of mine; Don't grieve for me long I've not left you alone For I will be with you In the love that we've known, That love is forever And some day when it's time You'll join me again On this journey of mine. Anonymous Funeral arrangements by Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli, MB.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 23, 2007