BRAD ARNASON

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BRAD ARNASON It is with profound sadness that we announce the accidental death of Brad Arnason on Friday, December 28, 2007. Einar Bradley Arnason was born September 22, 1959, to Willie and Donna-Mae. He attended Faraday, Isaac Newton, and Sisler Schools in Winnipeg. Post secondary education included the University of Manitoba and Red River College where he obtained his Bachelor of Education Degree, Journeyman Carpenter Certificate and Vocational Teachers Certificate. As soon as he was able to Brad moved to Gimli, a place where he had spent his childhood vacations. He considered this the best place on earth to live, sharing his time between Siglavik and Willow Island. In time he met his future wife Christine. With her children Jeff and Lindsay they became an instant family and were later thrilled to add Jesse to the mix. Jesse was the apple of her dad's eye. Brad worked in construction for many years. There was no job too difficult. He operated under his Amma's motto, where there's a will, there's a way. He tackled difficult jobs that others would not consider working, according to cousin Brett, like two men. He made it look easy. Brad also taught carpentry, helping many carpenters in the Interlake and in Northern communities get their Journeyman papers. Ultimately Brad got the opportunity to teach woodworking at the Gimli High School. His innovative teaching methods and his sense of humour were loved by the students. Many of their large projects - lighthouses, trebuchet shuffleboard - will be the community's reminder of him. Brad was an avid, dynamic curler and was known far and wide for his top hat - he just couldn't curl without it. He enjoyed the sport immensely and his adversaries will never forget him. Hunting was a definite joy. He hunted with his friends and club members and he was an excellent marksman - he took after his Afi. Brad was a man who could always be counted on. If you were in trouble he was there to lend a shoulder and help in anyway possible. He loved to hear about another's success. Brad was predeceased by his sister Jill, his grandparents Violet and Einar Einarson and Petra and Gudjon Arnason and by his father-in-law Gordon Kernested. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Christine, children Jeffrey, Lindsay (Ken) and Jesse, parents Donna-Mae and Willie, sisters Tracy (Karl), Christy (Don), Jodie (Mike), grandmother-in-law Mary Kuslak, mother-in-law Lena Kernested, brothers-in-law David, Ken (Lyla), and Jim as well as his nieces and nephews ( Who's your favourite uncle? ) Arni, Elly, Willie, Cassie, Taylor, Sam, Indiana, Piper, Dana and Cody. He will also be missed by his huge extended family and many friends. Brad has left us all with an incredible amount of amazing stories but also a huge void in our lives. We will always love you. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 3 at the Ukrainian National Hall, PR 231, Fraserwood, MB. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba, 107-94 First Avenue, Gimli, MB R0C 1B1. Neil Bardal Inc. 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 02, 2008