HERMAN VIGFUSSON

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HERMAN VIGFUSSON It is with deep and heartfelt sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved brother, uncle, great uncle and friend, Herman Vigfusson. He died peacefully after a long and difficult illness on September 12, 2009 at the Arborg Hospital with loving family at his side. He will certainly live on in the hearts of family and friends who loved him. He will be so very sadly missed by his brother Pall (Bernice) and their daughters, Paulette (Carl) Dingman, and their children, Jake (Jen, Wyatt, Cody, Pressleigh) and Jennifer (Scott, Khelsi, Kalyn); Pamela (Paul) LaPierre and children, Kristie, Curtis, Amanda; Pat (Rick) Bonnett and their sons, Christopher (Michelle) and Tyler (Tabitha, Ashton, Cole, Bryce, Logan, Faith). He will also be deeply missed by his brother and lifetime farming partner Einar (Rosalind) and their sons, Eric (Jennifer) with their sons, Nathan and Adam; and Kristian He was predeceased by his parents, Johann (1982) and Emily (1997) as well as by his brother Baldvin in 1958. Herman was the third of four sons born to Johann and Emily Vigfusson. He was born on the family farm close to Arborg, Manitoba on June 10, 1935. He grew up in the Arborg district and attended the Ardal School. He spent his entire life on the family farm, except for short periods where he worked in the north as a surveyor's assistant. He and his brother Einar bought the farm from their parents and farmed in partnership until Einar's retirement, following which Herman and his nephew Eric farmed together till the fall of 1994, when Herman suffered a massive cerebral aneurysm. Against all odds, he made a miraculous recovery and with initial assistance from family, especially his nephew Eric, he was able to go on to live a very productive and independent life. He enjoyed sports and played hockey for several years on the Arborg Falcons Hockey team. He also enjoyed curling at the Arborg Curling Club and various Interlake bonspiels over the years. Trap shooting was also a very enjoyable hobby which he especially enjoyed with his nephews, Eric and Kris, as well as hunting and fishing with his brothers and nephews. Although he never married, he loved his nieces and nephews dearly, thoroughly enjoyed their company and always had time for them. He had the ability to interact with children at their level. Of course his nieces and nephews know that, best. Herman taught all the nieces and nephews to drive a vehicle and they all recall all the fun they shared while doing that. We will all remember his special ability as a story teller. With his exceptional memory for detail and his unique sense of humour, he would leave his listener in suspense, waiting for the punch line of the story. How his clear, bright blue eyes would twinkle, followed by a hearty laugh. Herman was a true nature lover and had the uncanny ability to earn the trust of animals and birds alike, even to the extent that his new pet crow would sometimes come into the landing of his house for lunch or a fox would sit patiently on the doorstep waiting for her treat. Thank you, Herman for everything and for just being you. Always kind, patient, fair minded, generous, thoughtful of others, humourous, helpful and supportive. It has been a joy to have you as our life s companion. We will sorely miss your love and laughter as we continue along life s way. May God keep you in His care. Goda Nott The family would like to thank the doctors, especially Dr. Beukes and the nursing staff at the Arborg Hospital for the exemplary care, compassion and friendship shown to Herman over the past thirteen months. Also thanks to Dr. Boyd and Dr. Lipshitz and hospital staff at the Health Sciences Centre and Dr. C. Moltzen at St. Boniface. Interment will be held on Saturday, September 19 at 1:00 p.m. at the Arborg Community Cemetery. All are invited to attend. A celebration of his life will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Ardal-Geysir Lutheran Church, Arborg, MB. Pastor Bruce Zinken officiating. All of Herman's family and friends are to be considered his Honorary Pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ardal-Geysir Lutheran Church, Box 160, Arborg, MB R0C 0A0; or to the Arborg and District Health Centre Palliative Care Dept., Box 10, Arborg, MB R0C 0A0; or the Arborg and District Multicultural Heritage Museum, Box 4007, Arborg, MB R0C 0A0. Arborg (MacKenzie) Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 17, 2009