ARNI SIGURDUR ARNASON

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ARNI SIGURDUR ARNASON 1924 2008 Peacefully and with as much independent thought as he lived his life. Arni was a humanist, an idealist, an intellectual and spiritual giant, who, with curiosity, humour and compassion lived an intentionally simple life. With a penchant for the sublime (Tao de Ching, Gaia) and the ridiculous (dry wit dominating to his dying day) he made the lives of all who knew him a good deal richer. Pizza Night with his grandchildren and robust debate with the Free Thinkers remained on his agenda until his final days. Predeceased by his Icelandic parents, Kristjana and Thorsteinn, who taught him that love made being poor not matter, Arni became a teacher (Winnipeg Normal School) a human / land rights advocate for aboriginal people (Human Rights Commission), a counsellor (Addiction Research Foundation) (AFM) and an activist (NDP) (Council for Canadians). Arni drove for Winnipeg Harvest for many years, often with one of his foster sons. To those who remain behind in life; his wife B.J., sisters, Kristine and Judy, daughters, Karen, Kathleen, Susan and their children, Michael, Adam, Sarah, Miles, Tara and Kieren; stepsons, David, Bradley and Blake and their children, Samantha, Megan, Ethan and Clare; and the many foster sons and other children mentored by Arni . Arni would wish that we not mourn him but instead, celebrate the memories and times we all shared. Arni would want us to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Concordia Place for the wonderful care and company he received. Join us for a wake / memorial service in celebration of Arni's life at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 603 Wellington Crescent. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Winnipeg Harvest, 1085 Winnipeg Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0S2, or the Siloam Mission, 300 Princess Street, Winnipeg, MB R3B 1M3.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 30, 2008