ARNI GEORGE HANNESON

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ARNI GEORGE HANNESON George was born at the home of his parents in Langruth, Manitoba, on September 4, 1915 and died as quietly as he had lived on May 28, 2009 at the age of 93 years. George was predeceased by his loving wife Irene; his parents Helga (Erlendson) and Jon Hanneson; as well as his sisters Margaret, Beatrice, Norma and Frances. He was survived by his only brother who was his close friend and business partner Leonard (Nora), of Winnipeg, who passed away on June 2, 2009. He is lovingly remembered by his children, Arni, Bruce (Mervine), Brian (Vivianne), Claire (Michael), and Helga (Ed). George leaves 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. As a young boy, Dad was only able to speak Icelandic but upon attending school, he quickly learned to converse in English. As a teenager, he had the privilege of attending the Jon Bjarnason Academy in Winnipeg. Jobs were scarce during the Depression but Dad managed to find employment as a grain buyer. In 1939 at the age of 24, with $30 in his pocket and a borrowed car, he and Mom (Irene Hutchison of Langruth) were married. With the advent of the Second World War, Dad volunteered his services and joined the RCAF where he became a pilot. Upon his return home, he and his brother Len, decided to rebuild their father's hardware store. The three men successfully ran Hanneson Bros. Hardware for many years. The love of flying instilled during the war years was rekindled when he purchased his cherished Piper Cherokee airplane. He enjoyed showing family and friends the spectacular aerial views over the shores of Lake Manitoba and the Great Marsh. In 1949, Dad and Len purchased farmland, which they worked for the next 25 years. Dad was always an active member of the community and was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge and the Langruth Legion. Having begrudgingly learned to play the piano in his youth, this talent stood him in good stead in later years where he and a group of friends would play for fun-filled Saturday evenings of music and dancing at the Legion. After selling the store in 1974, Dad became a crop insurance adjuster. Since this was a summer occupation, it allowed our parents time to cruise and travel south for their winters. Following Mom's death in 1982, Dad continued his travels south as well as touring Europe and North Africa. Dad retired and moved to Portage la Prairie where he made many great friendships. In 1997 he made Neepawa his home and later, after losing his vision, became a resident of the personal care home. The family would like to thank the care home staff for the kindness and compassion shown to our father. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Langruth. Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends so desire, donations may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, Box 238, Langruth, MB, R0H 0N0 or to the Central Plains Cancer Care, 318 Saskatchewan Avenue East, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 0K8. Clarke's Funeral Home, Gladstone in care of arrangements. www.clarkesfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 06, 2009