DONALD VALDIMAR BENEDICTSON

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DONALD VALDIMAR BENEDICTSON It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that at the age of 82, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, afi, and lang afi Donald Benedictson at the Grace Hospital on February 12, 2009 after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. Don is survived by his devoted wife, Sella, and four children, Debbie (Doug), Alanna (Paul), Donald (Danielle), Heather (Jon) and his grandchildren, Joey, Valdine, Ingrid, Stefan, Kristjan, Erik, Amber, Kristjanna and great-granddaughter Taya; brothers, Raymond (Joyce), Gilbert (Fran) and sister Anna (Fred) and many wonderful nieces and nephews who meant the world to him. He was predeceased by his parents, Valdi and Frida; brother Allan; mother and father-in-law Gudleif and Laugi Johannesson; brothers-in-law Siggi, Hugh, Johnny, Laugi; sister-in-law, Kristine; niece, Lori; nephew, Elvin. Don was born on August 31, 1926 at the Grace Hospital in Winnipeg. He lived his early years in Riverton and was an active member of the community. Don was a Journeyman electrician, an avid hockey player and fan and a perfectionist in whatever he did, at work, at home or in the garden. Don began his career in Riverton with his brother-in-law, Siggi, operating B J Radio Electric, later with Amalgamated Engineering on the Rural Electrification of Manitoba, followed by Benedictson Electric, which he operated with his brother, Raymond. Don married Sella in 1950 and moved to Gimli in 1951 to start their family and work for the Department of National Defence until 1966, whereupon he transferred to Transport Canada to work in Winnipeg and Canada's vast Arctic. Don retired in 1984 and spent the ensuing years helping family, friends and community. He became part of the group called the Gimli Nine who restored the Gimli Heritage Public School and Museum and was recognized with the Premier's Volunteer Service Award. Don was a very supportive and positive father, always wanting the best for all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchild. He will be forever remembered for his persistence, strong will, storytelling, loving manner and great sense of humour. We love you Dad! The family sincerely thanks everyone at Grace Cancer Care, Dr. Bartlett, Dr. Milner, Dr. Harris and Home Care for their wonderful support and care. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 19 at 1:00 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, 580 Victor St., Winnipeg. A private interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cancer Care or charity of your choice. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 17, 2009