INGVAR (JERRY) OTERHOLM

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INGVAR (JERRY) OTERHOLM November 5, 1912 - January 26, 2009 On January 26, 2009, at Grace Hospital, Ingvar passed away at the age of 96 years. Ingvar was predeceased by his loving wife Alice in May 2007; his parents, six sisters and brothers in Norway. He leaves to mourn his passing, his daughters: Ruth (Bob) Hazell; Irene and Udita; grandchildren: Nissa (Bob), Nadine, Eden and great-grandchildren: Kiara, Kyla and Trey. Also surviving are sisters: Asborg, Ruth, Liv, Oddlaug all of Norway and Solveig of USA; brother Bjorne of Norway and many nieces and nephews. Ingvar was born in Voll, Norway. At the age of 17 he ventured out on his own and came to Canada by ship, landing in BC. He worked at various jobs including the fish docks then moving to AB and working in the ranch industry. He later moved to Winnipeg where he met Alice whom he married in 1936. He was introduced to the upholstery industry which proved to be his life long ambition. He purchased 281 Tache, Norwood in the fall of 1936 where he opened Quality Furniture and Upholstery. Over a period of years Ingvar and Alice lived above the business where they raised their three daughters. As the business and family grew, in 1950 he built their home on Lyndale Drive. Then in 1965 due to importing merchandise from Norway, he was required to build a larger factory in East Kildonan. At this time he started manufacturing and designing his own models. In 1968, the premises were enlarged again and Westnofa of Canada Limited was born. Ingvar proved to be well respected by his peers. He was presented four times with the Design Excellence Award. He went into contract manufacturing, working with government tenders, furnishing nursing homes and schools. He retired in his early 70s after selling his business. Ingvar belonged to many organizations including but not limited to: St. Boniface Rotary Club, Norwood Lodge (Past Master), Shriner (Directors Staff), Heather Curling Club (Past President and Honorary Life Member) and St. Boniface Golf Club. He enjoyed the cottage at Caddy Lake for many years, where he loved his fishing and tending his veggie garden behind the old outhouse. Dad always loved a good joke. Both Mom and Dad were healthy enough to travel extensively and enjoyed their homes in Mesa, Arizona and Cobblehill, BC. In their later years Mom and Dad moved back to Winnipeg. With Mom’s failing health she moved into a nursing home and Dad took a small apartment to be within walking distance for his daily visits. He was able to stay there until June, 2008 at which time he moved into Tuxedo Villa, where he spent the last remaining months. The family would like to extend their appreciation to Dr. P. G. Mehta and to the staff of Tuxedo Villa for the care and compassion shown to Ingvar. As per Ingvar’s wishes cremation has taken place and a family memorial service was held. Dad, you and Mom are finally together – Rest In Peace. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E. J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald St. 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 07, 2009