SOLRUNE GILLIS

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SOLRUNE GILLIS Solrune Gillis was born November 7, 1919 to Ragnar and Margret Johnson, at their homestead in Wapah, west of The Lake Manitoba Narrows. Solrune's parents had emigrated from Iceland and settled in a small predominantly Icelandic community. Solrune's first language was Icelandic and she was very proud of her heritage. From her family, Mom learned great appreciation for literature and nature. Mom completed grade 10 through correspondence at the Ebb and Flow School. She attended Glenboro High School one year and completed high school at the Jon Bjarnason Academy. She graduated from Normal School in Winnipeg. Solrune taught in several rural schools in Manitoba, including Reykjavik and Waskada. During the Second World War, Mom worked at the John Inglis Ammunitions Factory and she had many fond memories of her time in Toronto. On September 13, 1947 Solrune married Victor Gisli Gillis. The first winter of their marriage was spent in a fish camp on Peonon Point where Victor fished from October to February. From there they moved to Solrune's parent's farm, which they bought through the V.L.A. Program. From 1948 to 1966 Victor and Solrune worked and prospered on the ranch at Wapah. They endured the flood, when the cattle had to be wintered elsewhere. In spite of all hardships the cattle herd increased to well over one hundred head. Mom was an excellent cook, whether serving food in the middle of the hay field or at the kitchen table. For years there was no electricity and everything that sustained the family came from the land. During their sons' high school years, Solrune and her three children spent three school years in Eriksdale. In 1966 the family moved to Brandon where they enjoyed many happy years. Raising a happy, healthy and productive family was Mom's primary goal and pleasure. Mom's interests included gardening, her home, healthy living and she was a talented seamstress and knitter. Mom and Dad were active in Brandon's Icelandic Club, Seniors for Seniors and several bridge clubs. For many years Mom was a Leprosy Mission member and she participated in the Brandon's Writer's Club. For two years Mom resided at River Heights Terrace. Solrune is predeceased by her husband, Victor, sister Gudlaug and two dear foster sisters, Ella Olson and Dora Bonk. She is survived by her children, Grant (Linda) of Brandon, Allan (Maxine) of Portage la Prairie and Signy Sizer (Terry) of Port Lavaca, Texas. Grandchildren, Cher Dobbin, Carmen Mosek (Jon), Molly and Ottlie Gillis (Kirt), Maggie and Thomas Sizer; one great-grandson Austin Aymont, as well as her brother, August Johnson of Toronto. Mom passed away December 8, 2008 at the Assiniboine Centre, Brandon, Manitoba. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Parkinson's Society of Manitoba, 302 - 171 Donald Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 1M4 or the BRHC Foundation Assiniboine Centre , 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 2B3. A memorial service will be held in the summer, further information will be posted in the Brandon Sun and Winnipeg Free Press. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com Arrangements are with Memories Chapel Pre-Planning Centre, (204) 727-0330.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 13, 2008