RAYMOND HALGRIMUR BENEDICTSON

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RAYMOND HALGRIMUR BENEDICTSON It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father and afi on April 8, 2009, aged 80 years, at his home in Gimli, with his family by his side after a brief battle with lung cancer. He leaves to mourn his loving wife of 56 years Joyce, and four children Alan (Joanne), Janice (Rick), Elaine (Darrell) and Brian (Gabriella). He also leaves five grandchildren who were his pride and joy: Shawn, Kolby, Trent, Jada and Luc. He is survived by his sister Anna (Fred) and brother Gilbert (Fran), sister-in-law Sella, in-laws Shirley (Bob), Johnnie (Shirley-Ann), Darlene (Elert), Carol (Wilfred), Lorraine (Lorne) and Shirley (Morley), along with numerous nieces and nephews. Ray was predeceased by his parents Freda and Valdimar, brothers Allan (Second World War), Donald (February 12, 2009), his in-laws S.R. and Aurora Sigurdson, brother-in-law Laugi and niece Lori. Ray was born and educated in Riverton. He took an electrical course in Chicago and then gained his journeyman electrical license. He was self-employed in Riverton as Benedictson Electric, Plumbing and Heating for 23 years. It was here that Ray and Joyce raised their four children and were very involved in the community. Following a tragic accident at work, Ray lost his sight in May 1979 - a day that changed his life forever. Several surgeries and trips to Toronto, Philadelphia and New York followed. After some struggle, Ray learned to accept life without sight and made the best of it. It was shortly after this that Ray and Joyce moved the family to Winnipeg where they lived for 13 years before eventually retiring to Gimli in 1994. Our families have enjoyed many happy summers at their home in Gimli. Ray had always loved hockey and was passionately involved as a player, coach and fan. He shared that love with his family, calling his grandchildren after every hockey game. He also enjoyed his talking books, phone calls to friends, visiting over a cup of coffee and checking his 6/49 numbers. The family would like to thank Dr. S.V. Patel and the nursing staff at the Gimli Community Health Centre along with the Palliative Home Care Teams who were a great comfort to our family. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the CNIB at Donations Services by calling 1-800-563-2642. A celebration of Ray's life will be held on Friday, April 17 at 2:00 p.m. in the Johnson Hall, Waterfront Center, 94 1st Ave. in Gimli. We love you dad and will always treasure the legacy of your entertaining stories and sense of humor. Til we meet again. Gilbart Funeral Homes Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 14, 2009