SKAPTI (SKIP) ARASON

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SKAPTI (SKIP) ARASON June 9, 1919 - November 9, 2011 On November 9, 2011, Skip Arason passed away peacefully with the love of his life, his wife of 66 years, Edith, at his side. He had a long and wonderful life, as he said many times to his family who were with him continuously during his last few difficult days. Skip was born on June 9, 1919 on the Arason family farm near Glenboro, Manitoba where his grandfather, Skafti Arason, had homesteaded in 1880. He is survived by his wife, Edith; son Greg Arason (Margie); daughter Eileen Beamish (Daryl) and daughter Nancy Arason (Ray Dudar). He is also survived by five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren: Colin Arason; Cade Arason (May), Ava, Hayden, Xavier; Carrie Styczen (Mike), Matthew, Lauren; Cathi Tilley (Kent); Jeremy Thornborough (Megan), Brady, Jane. He was predeceased by his parents, Oli and Olga Arason and his sister Esther Ingaldson. He grew up on the farm and after graduating from Glenboro High School, enrolled in the U. of M. faculty of Agriculture. He left university to join the RCAF in 1942, trained as a pilot and after receiving his wings in January 1943 was posted to England. He returned home in 1945 and on May 23, 1945, Skip married the girl of his dreams, Edith Avery, and they took over the family farm where they lived until 1983 when they retired and moved to their new home in Glenboro. In 2010 they moved into Winnipeg to their new home in the Seine River Retirement Residence where they made many new friends. Skip loved the farm and loved being a farmer which he believed was the best job in the world in spite of the many challenges associated with farming. He was active in the community, a life-long member of the Lutheran Church, a loyal member of Manitoba Pool Elevators, and served on numerous community committees and boards including chairing the Glenboro Centennial Celebrations. He loved curling and playing golf and was an honorary life member of the Glenboro Curling Club, receiving the Bill Lumsden Award in 2001 for his life-time contribution to curling in Manitoba. Dad loved life and some of the things he loved most were: being with his best friend, Edith, who was always by his side; supporting his family in all their activities and being their biggest fan; being a pilot; helping neighbours and friends; being an Icelander; newborn calves; riding his pony to the pasture; seeding a straight line; putting a clean crop in the bin; creating a farmer's fix when nothing else worked; singing; playing the trumpet; dancing; hearing Eileen and Nancy sing or play the piano; telling stories; playing bridge; curling; golfing; being a Manitoba Pool Delegate; cross-country skiing; making new friends; coffee time in the field; watching hockey and baseball; duck hunting with Greg and Bob; driving his car; checking out crops; dogs (especially Toby); gladiolas; being Grandpa and Great-Grandpa Skip; meeting old friends. A special thanks to Skip's many caregivers, especially Dr. Tim Ross and Tara and Dorcas from Home Care who took a special interest in caring for him. A celebration of Skip's life was held in Glenboro on Monday, November 14, 2011 with interment in the Glenboro Cemetery. We love you - Rest in peace. Online condolences may be made at www.willmorchapel.com Jamieson's Funeral Services, Willmor Chapel, of Glenboro, MB in care of arrangements. (204)827-2480

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 16, 2011