STONEY ALBERT EYOLFSON

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STONEY ALBERT EYOLFSON July 19, 1930 - October 16, 2011 After a brief illness Dad has passed away. He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife of 58 years, Bernice (nee Einarson). His children Elerd (Valerie), Brenda (Roy), David (Cathy), Lois (Joe) and Tanis. His grandchildren, Kyle (Rachel), Kurtis, Garrett, Hailey, Koen and Kelsey, and great-granddaughter Zion. He is survived by sister Evelyn Bjarnason and brothers, John and Stefan (Pat); sisters-in-law, Begga Johanneson, Mary Einarson, Sigga Helgason and Ellen Sigurdson; brothers-in-law, Walter Charney, Raymond Ostertag and Helgi Sigurdson. Predeceased by mother Gudrun (Gertie) and father Jon; brothers Joe and Lloyd; sisters Jorunn Beck, Thora and Louise; brothers-in-law, Clarence Einarson, Marino Helgason, Kris Johannesson, and sister-in-law Josie Ostertag. Dad was born on the family farm west of Riverton. He worked on and off the farm during his teens, working in the sawmills and hauling wood for the winter. He also winter fished. When Dad was 19 he went to fish for his uncle and crew up at Great Slave Lake. He had many stories to tell about bad weather on the lake and his pet Eagle that he took care of until it was healthy enough that it could fly away. When Dad came back from Great Slave, he worked for Gimli Construction driving trucks and cats. Being a great mechanic, Dad did all of his own repairs, and he rarely had to take his car to the garage. He went from Gimli Construction to driving for Nelson River Construction doing the roads and highways in the area. After trucking he changed his vocation to Carpentry, receiving his journeyman certificate in 1969. He worked at numerous jobs in the Interlake, and various companies, until he started work at Gimli Industrial Park as a maintenance carpenter. Dad retired from the Civil Service in 1989 and for all his hard work and dedication received a Meritorious Service Award from the Province of Manitoba. Dad could never be idle, so he bought some property close to Gimli and cleared two lots by himself. Then he moved a cottage on one lot and a house on the other, leaving one to do something with. He still had a lot of things to do, but his time was up. Having the gift of a musical ear, Dad was a talented singer and guitarist. He could easily play many instruments such as a violin, banjo, piano, accordion and carry a tune. When we were young, we'd listened to Dad jamming with his sister Thora on guitar, and his brother Stefan on violin. We think of them when we hear tunes like Maple Sugar and yodeling to the Cattle Call. Yes, he could yodel too! The kitchen at the farm was definitely the place to be! Dad loved kids! He loved to listen to Kyle and Kurtis play guitar and sing and to hear Hailey play the piano. He never missed Garrett's Motocross races at home and he loved having Koen, Kelsey, and Zion around him as much as possible. Special thanks to Dr. R. C. Patel and staff of the Gimli Community Health Centre for the good care given to Dad. There are things we don't want to happen, But have to accept Things we don't know But have to learn and People we can't live without But have to let go. As Dad requested, there will be no funeral. Cremation has taken place and a private family burial will be held at a later date. Donations in his name may be made to a charity of your choice. Goda Nott Dad We'll see you on the other side. Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 18, 2011