NUMI FRIDFINNSON

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NUMI FRIDFINNSON 1927 - 2008 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father and afi, Numi Fridfinnson, on April 24, 2008 at the Arborg Hospital. Numi was born August 17, 1927 in Geysir, Manitoba to Jakobina and Kristmundur Fridfinnsson. He attended Island School to grade eight. However, Numi was a life long learner. He was self educated in current events, politics, history and geography through his extensive reading, curiosity, conversation and analytical thinking. Following school, Numi farmed until his retirement in 1992, first with his father and brothers and then with his brother Skapti. Dad was a hardworking man, skilled in farm management and equipment repair. Initially they raised grain, beef and had a small dairy. Later they kept breeder turkeys and expanded their grain operation. Numi married Dora Finnson August 1, 1953 and together they raised five children. They had a long and loving relationship, supporting each other through life's tough times but also enjoying their companionship. Numi and Dora travelled to Iceland, Cuba, and every province in Canada discovering the distinct flavours of each culture. When his beloved Dora became ill he attended to her needs with love, compassion and devotion till her death in December 2005. After retirement Dad still enjoyed being involved with the farm; working with his sons, operating combines or large tractors, helping in anyway he could and checking the crops. Numi kept abreast of agricultural issues and modern farming practises. Long before stainability was a consideration in farming he was a promoter of good land stewardship and felt it was our responsibility to take care of the land. Numi was born into a household rich in the Icelandic tradition where he acquired his knowledge of the country and its history. He travelled twice to Iceland, spoke the language fluently, and attended as many Icelandic cultural events as possible. He also loved reading poetry and always marked Robbie Burns Day. Friends and family were drawn to Numi's house where the coffee pot was always ready, for Dad loved company and good conversation. He engaged in lively and sometimes heated discussions on the state of the world, for he was well informed about world events. Dad also had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed laughing and telling his favourite funny stories. Dad took tremendous pride in his grandchildren, loving each of them for who they are and making them feel welcome. He looked forward to seeing them and hearing about their lives. Afi's face would light up when he saw his grandchildren and he could endure an incredible amount of mayhem for the pleasure of being in the company of his grandchildren. Numi was predeceased by his parents Krismundur and Jakobina, his beloved wife Dora, brothers Leifur and Kjartan and grandchildren Sarah and Louise. He will be lovingly remembered by his children Eric (Debbie), Ross (Mary Lynn), Brian (Heather), Jennifer (Mike) and Elan (Joel), his grandchildren Davian (Brock), Jeffry (Erin), Chantal, Alexandra, Joseph, Carolyn, Brooke, Joel, Leif, Laura, Stefan, Stephanie, Freyja, Samuel, Mark, Benjamin, William, Natasha, and Elizabeth. He will be sadly missed by his sister Vordis Oddleifson, his brothers Skapti (Norma) and Junius, sisters-in-law Grace and Lillian and his extended family of in-laws nieces, nephews and cousins. In accordance with Numi's wish, no memorial service will be held. Donations may be made in memory of Numi to CancerCare, Manitoba, ON109-675 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9 or the Arborg District Health Centre Foundation, Box 159, Arborg, MB. Our family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to doctors, nurses and staff on the GA4 ward of the Health Sciences Centre and the Arborg Hospital for the kindness and compassion shown to Numi during his illness. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 26, 2008