OSCAR EMANUEL MAGNUSON -

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OSCAR EMANUEL MAGNUSON 1923 - 2009 Peacefully at home in Lac du Bonnet, with his family by his side, Oscar passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on January 9, 2009, one week short of his 86th birthday. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Velma of 63 years, son Wayne (Joyce), daughters Lynda (Fred Peterson), and Valerie (Robert Grant); grandchildren, Richard (Cindy), and Tricia Magnuson, Blake, and Brian (Anna) Grant, and great-grandson Liam Grant. Oscar is also survived by a sister Ada (Steve Diachok) of Edmonton, brother in law Joe Sydorko of Lac du Bonnet, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father and mother, Andrew and Adolfina, and sisters Lily Pearson, Esther Balluk, Hilma Pearson, Signe Sydorko, and a brother Emil who died in infancy. Oscar was born in Riverland on January 17, 1923. He joined the Army in 1943, and fought on the front lines with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles. He survived the D Day invasion, but was taken prisoner by the Germans on October 15, 1944. Oscar spent the rest of the war in German prison camps, and endured a 30 day March across Germany before being freed in 1945. While stationed in Winnipeg after the war, Dad met Velma Mohr who was with the CWAC. They married on March 29, 1946. Dad moved back to Riverland and bought a farm which was the original homestead of his grandfather Paul Soderholm. While farming during the summer, Oscar took on many winter jobs around the area, as well as working in Flin Flon, Kenora, and Winnipeg over the years. He eventually was employed by Harris Construction who built the new CJAY television station in Winnipeg. He was then hired permanently by the station as their carpenter. Retiring in 1988, after 28 years with CJAY, Oscar and Velma moved back to Lac du Bonnet where they have resided for the past 20 years. Dad was an avid fisherman, and was able to pursue his passion after retirement. He was very active in the Lac du Bonnet Pioneer Club, and enjoyed floor curling, bowling, pool, and especially cribbage, participating in various tournaments and seniors games across Manitoba. Dad was an active member of the Lac du Bonnet Legion, and also played accordion with the Pioneer Kitchen band. Mom and Dad were members of the original Lutheran Church in Riverland, and were Charter Members of the Lutheran Church of the Cross in Lac du Bonnet. They have been active members there since their retirement. The family wishes to thank all of the doctors and staff at Health Sciences Centre, Pinawa Hospital, and the Home Care and Palliative Care Workers who have provided such compassionate care during Dad's final days. We cannot begin to name all of the friends who have offered their support to both Mom and Dad during this difficult time, but our deepest thanks go out to all of you. A Memorial Service to celebrate Oscar's life will be held at The Lutheran Church of the Cross in Lac du Bonnet on Friday January 16 at 11:00 a.m. Luncheon will immediately follow at the Legion Hall in Lac du Bonnet. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Oscar to the Lutheran church of the Cross Memorial Fund, or to any charity of your choice. Cremation has taken place and a private family interment will take place at a later date. Wheeler Arrangement Centre Lac du Bonnet Phone 224-1525

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 13, 2009