BJORN VALDIMAR (VALDI) ARNASON

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BJORN VALDIMAR (VALDI) ARNASON Peacefully, on January 9, 2009 at home, Bjorn Valdimar (Valdi) Arnason, of Gimli, Manitoba, passed away. Dad was predeceased by his loving wife Kristin (Chrissie); his parents, Vilhjalm and Gudrun; his brothers, John, Herman and Gordon; his sister Olaf; brothers-in-law, Elert, Charlie, Frank and Claude; sisters-in-law, Olga, Laufey and Elin (Diddy) and son-in-law Lynn. Left to remember Dad with much love are his children, Patty (Colin), Valdine (Don), Tim (Delphine); grandchildren, Sherri (Bernard), Brian (Alanna), Michelle (Wade), Dianne, Kristin, Jeffrey (Lindsay), Alena and Brady; great-grandchildren Sarah, Nicholas, Kaeli, Chloe, Tylor, Sheyla, Jaelyn, Danalee and Jace; brothers, Joey, Fred; sisters, Anna and Elin, brother-in-law Art and sisters-in-law, Lilja, June and Josephine. Also left to cherish his memory are his loving companion Solrun, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends Dad was born in Gimli on May 25, 1916 and other than a few brief interruptions, spent his entire life there; a place he often called and truly believed the most beautiful place in the world . His early adventures saw him fish Lake Winnipeg, work the Mines in Pickle Lake, Ontario and even take a try at operating a passenger train after a particularly eventful Kinsman Convention. His journey would bring him back to Gimli where, in 1940 he met the love of his life Kristin Benson at the town well. He dreamed of some day marrying that beautiful young lady and in September of 1941, that dream became a reality. Their journey of love, laughter and hard work flourished until Mom's passing in 1999. Around the time of Dad's marriage, he became interested in meat cutting and he trained to become a butcher. He worked in this trade and in 1945, with his brother Joey, he purchased Tip Top Meats on First Avenue in Gimli. The store was a source of immense pride to Dad. Meat cutting was not simply a trade; Dad considered it a profession. Each work day started with a freshly laundered white shirt, his trademark bow tie, butcher's hat and crisp black slacks. His meat case was his canvas and his art work would be done with a high degree of precision. Dad's customers included many who would travel long distances for his signature steaks. Tip Top was more than a store to so many. Dozens of family members had their first jobs at Tip Top and whether you started out by hauling garbage, sorting bottles or cleaning the slicer until it shone, the value of hard, honest work was instilled in us early. When Dad retired in 1975 he was delighted that his nephews, Ken and Brian invested in the business and it continues to be a Gimli landmark to this day. It was difficult for Dad to leave the business but he was lucky to have Ken and Brian who would call him to come down and help until he was well into his eighties. Dad believed that you make a living by what you earn, but you make a life by what you give . His service to the community included Life memberships in the Gimli Kinsman and the Gimli Rotary Clubs. He served on the Gimli Town Council, was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and Lutheran Church Council and served on the Board of the Johnson Memorial Hospital including tenure as the Administrator at a time where his leadership led to an expansion of this service to the community. The fellowship and benevolence of the Masonic Order was very special to Dad and his over 50 year membership (Lisgar #2 and Viking Chapters) were marked by a Past Master and Charter Member designation. Dad also loved his choirs, serving as Choir Director of the Gimli Senior Echoes for many years. Dad was fiercely proud of his Icelandic heritage. He was the longest serving member of the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba in its history with over 50 years of service. He served as President in 1970 and 1971 and was so proud when Mom was named Fjallkona in 1971. Mom and Dad made several trips to Iceland and this tangible connection to his homeland strengthened his pride in his heritage. Dad's greatest legacy was his pride, devotion and commitment to his family. Above all else, Dad was happiest when he was surrounded by those he loved. Dad taught us that nothing is as important as family and this was instilled in us, not through his words but through his example. There has never been a generation gap in our family and not only was he a wonderful father, Afi and Great Afi; he was also such a dear friend. Dad had a long and full life that was generously sprinkled with his well known sense of humour and storytelling. We often thought of him as invincible but we knew the time would come when we would have to say goodbye. We are comforted by the knowledge that Mom and so many of his family and friends were there to greet him. Memorial service will be held at the Gimli Lutheran Church on Friday, January 16 at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Ingthor Isfeld officiating. In keeping with Dad's wishes, cremation has taken place and a private interment will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank the Gimli RCMP, Paramedics and staff at the Gimli Community Health Center for their compassionate care. Special thanks to Solrun for her love and caring over the past few years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba or a charity of your choice. Goda Nott Pabi. We love you. The more we get together, the happier we'll be NEIL BARDAL INC. 204-949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 13, 2009