STEFAN J. STEFANSON

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STEFAN J. STEFANSON Stefan J. Stefanson passed away January 2, 2008 at the Gimli Community Health Centre. Born in Gimli to Valdi and Gudny Stefanson. He married Olla Einarson, and spent 64 wonderful years together. They had five children Lorna (Terry) Tergesen, Ernest (Claire), Maria Bear, Valdimar and Eric (Barb); grandchildren Svenn, Stefan, Johann, Tristin, Sigrid, Laura, Morgan, Jackie, Tara, Brynna, Aiden and Logan; great-grandchildren Kol, Svava, Joren and Maren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and special family friend Winston (Joy) Stranger. Predeceased by his wife Olla (2000), his two sisters Ella (Dick) Angevine and Lulu (Ingvar) Gudmundson, grandson Soren, daughter-in-law Carolyn and son-in-law Gerald Bear. Stefan went into partnership with his father in mixed farming until the mid-1970s. On the farm he could fix or rebuild just about anything with only the materials at hand. His love of machinery is evident in that he still owned five tractors at the age of 92. Although farming life was a family affair and not always easy, Stefan was a hard worker with a positive attitude and was always ready to help his neighbours. He also worked as a County Court Bailiff and went on to work at the Sheriff's Office in Winnipeg, eventually becoming the Chief Sheriff for the Province of Manitoba the first non-lawyer to hold the position. Stefan was fiercely proud of his Icelandic heritage and shared his love for the language and culture with his children and grandchildren. He led by example, always eager to speak the language and traveled to Iceland more than 35 times. On Stefan's first trip to Iceland in 1968, a bond was formed that got him involved in all things Icelandic. He recognized the need to bolster relationships between Iceland and the North American Icelanders and did just that by joining local clubs. Along with Marge and Ted Arnason, Stefan and Olla started a charter service to Iceland. He encouraged a link between the old country and the new. His enthusiasm for travel did not stop there, and he and Olla enjoyed seeing much of the world together. In the last 4 years, an annual trip to Iceland was the highlight of his life. Stefan instilled in his children the importance of community involvement; his role as a founding member of the Gimli Credit Union, Reeve of the R.M. of Gimli (1956-1960), President of the Manitoba Farmers Union, founding member of the Icelandic Cultural Corporation (Museum) and director on the Manitoba Provincial Museum board indicate his belief in his community. With this came a special pride and great delight in speaking Ukrainian. Stefan was active in many Icelandic organizations, he supported Logberg-Heimskringla, Islendingadagurinn, Snorri Programs and other youth activities as well as becoming President of the Icelandic National League of North America. Among the many honours he received was the prestigious Order of the Falcon from the Government of Iceland, Honorary Life Member of the Icelandic National League of North America and the Icelandic National League of Iceland as well as being recognized by local clubs across North America. In April 2007, he received the Laurence Johnson Lifetime Achievement Award. He was very proud to have sponsored the New Iceland Heritage Museum Traveling Exhibit in memory of his beloved Olla. He was intensely proud of his grandchildren, constantly imparting wisdom and encouragement in all their various endeavors. Stefan enjoyed seven wonderful years living at the Waterfront Centre. His ability to speak Icelandic charmed visitors from Iceland, along with a tour of his suite. He took great pride in his storytelling, sewing, cooking and especially making ponnukokurs. However, outdoor work never lost its luster for him, and whether it was mowing lawn or splitting wood at Nyibaer, one could never take the farmer out of Stefan. His exercise of walking everywhere was just a part of the importance he placed on living life to the fullest, and his presence will be very much missed in Gimli. The family would like to thank the staff of the Gimli Community Health Centre for their compassionate care. Also many thanks to his dear neighbour Helen for all her kindness. Celebration of Stefan's life will be held at the Waterfront Centre in Gimli on Saturday, January 26, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the New Iceland Heritage Museum, 94 First Ave., Gimli, MB, R0C 1B1. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 05, 2008