DENNIS NEIL STEFANSON

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DENNIS NEIL STEFANSON June 3, 1939 - June 7, 2010 Surrounded by love, family and friends, Dennis passed away on June 7, 2010 at the Grace Hospital. Dennis, aged 71, had been married to his soul mate, Claire (Gontier) for 51 wonderful years. Dennis is survived by the love of his life, Claire, and his three loving children, Cheryl Washington (George), Brent Stefanson (Lynne) and Grant Stefanson (Shannon). Dennis would often say that family is bedrock and he meant it. His life revolved around family and friends. He will be sadly missed but remembered forever by his eight grandchildren: Nicole Blue (Michael), Neil Washington (Rutgers University), Megan Stefanson (Oak Park High School), Janna Stefanson (Charleswood Junior High), Reid Stefanson (Charleswood Junior High), Jilian Stefanson (St. Mary's Academy), Reyna Stefanson (Henry G. Izatt Middle School) and Natalie Stefanson (Whyte Ridge Elementary School). His grandchildren referred to him as Afi and Dennis was Afi not just to his grandchildren but to all children. Dennis and Claire have always been very proud of their eight grandchildren, whose lives have been immensely enriched by their Nan and Afi . In turn, all of the grandchildren brought much joy to Dennis and Claire. One of the highlights of every year was the Icelandic Festival in Gimli where Dennis and Claire would carry on many traditions, especially with the eight grand-children including races at Gimli Park, the parade, campfires and special dinners. Dennis would often affectionately refer to each grandchild by number (see photo above). Dennis remained close to all of his brothers for his entire life. Their lives were interwoven and they would frequently seek the counsel of one another in a truly magical way. He will be sadly missed by his brothers, Tom Stefanson (Diane), Kris Stefanson and Eric Stefanson (Myrna); as well as by his sister-in-law Peggy MacPherson (Bob) of Fredericton, New Brunswick; his niece Claire Margaret MacPherson (Scott deVries) of British Columbia and by his nieces and nephews in Winnipeg and their children: Jason Stefanson (Heather) (children: Victoria and Tommy), Colleen Gurba (Brent) (children: Hailey and Blake), Kristin Stefanson (child: Signy) and Eric Stefanson Jr. With his warmth, sincerity and general concern for others, he made everyone feel special. He was a leader in his family and in the community. Dennis was born on a farm in Oak Point, Manitoba. He grew up in Gimli, Manitoba, with his parents, Eric and Sigrun, who predeceased him. Dennis and Claire raised their family in Winnipeg and hosted many family gatherings, celebrations and good times with friends at 39 Keats Way in St. James. Summers were spent by the pool with family and friends and the highlights of the winters were gatherings with family and friends in December, especially on Christmas Eve when the family would celebrate the season with Icelandic traditions. In later years when Dennis and Claire moved to Gimli in 1996, the good times continued at the Stefanson Compound in Gimli right up until May long weekend 2010. Dennis spent his entire career of over 35 years with the St. James School Division. He started as a teacher and quickly worked his way through the positions of Vice-Principal, Principal with several schools and ultimately worked the balance of his career as a Superintendent before retiring in 1994. One of the most rewarding parts of his career was the time spent as Superintendent of Personnel and Administration. His exceptional way with people enabled him to excel in this position where he was greatly respected and very much appreciated. Later, as Elementary Superintendent, he was extremely supportive of elementary teachers. He always said that we should do what is best for kids . He maintained that it was in these years that the foundation was laid and that this time was of prime importance in a child's education. Rereading the many sentiments expressed on his business cards that were left at his retirement has again allowed us to realize how loved and respected he was by so many and how wide his contributions reached into the community. Following retirement, he remained active with a number of volunteer activities including acting as Campaign Chair for his brother Eric during several provincial political campaigns and acting as Chairperson of the Gimli Heart and Stroke Golf Tournament for the last 14 years. The trophy for the tournament is named in honour of his father, Eric Stefanson, who also passed away from a heart condition. The tournament has raised over $200,000.00 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation as a result of the efforts of Dennis and his committee. He has twice been awarded the Big Heart Award by the Heart and Stroke Foundation for his major contributions to this important charity. Dennis was actively involved in the Icelandic Community throughout his life, including acting as President of the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba for two years (1973 to 1974), maintaining many other board positions and committee chair positions with the Icelandic Festival and acting as a member of the Board of Directors of the Icelandic newspaper, Lögberg- Heimskringla, for several years. Dennis loved life and lived it to the fullest. He always enjoyed conversations with people; he was always quick with a joke and always eager to engage in a healthy debate. During their retirement years, Dennis and Claire spent many winters in Florida, often spending five months there enjoying good times with family and friends, good food, good company, good weather and good golf (well, maybe not always). Dennis and Claire also made other trips, including two trips of a lifetime to Iceland where he was able to visit the locations of his Icelandic roots. Special thanks to Dr. Kumar, Dr. Kroeker, Dr. Schroeder, Dr. Kippen, Dr. Joshua, Dr. Borrett, nurses, Darlene, John, Shola, Shannon and Jacqueline, Major Doris and all nurses and staff of the Grace General Hospital for their compassionate care of Dennis during his final days. Always a pioneer, Dennis celebrated his 71st Birthday in the I.C.U. with 32 family members present. This must have been a first. A celebration of the life of Dennis Stefanson will be held on Saturday, June 12, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at the Hilton Suites, located at 1800 Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba (parking located behind the Hotel). In lieu of flowers, Dennis would be exceptionally pleased, if friends desire or wish to make a donation in his memory, to the charitable Icelandic cultural institution, Lögberg-Heimskringla Inc., 100 - 283 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2B5, Telephone 284-5686 or 1-866-564-2374 or the charity of your choice. Goda Nott Elskan Min. NEIL BARDAL INC. (204) 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 10, 2010