THOMAS GORDON MCINNIS

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THOMAS GORDON MCINNIS With great sadness, the family announces that Gordon passed away peacefully on December 11, 2011. He leaves to mourn his partner Freda Olafson, children and grandchildren: Melvin (Sofia), Thora, Signy (great-granddaughter Aleesha) and Inga; Carol Anne (Brian), Danielle, Adam; Joni and Regan; Gwen (Neal), Kyle; Neil (Kim), Caitlin, Bryn; sister Janice; sister-in-law Kris Laxdal (John); Svava Simundson, nieces, nephews and many cousins, all of whom were very special to Gordon. Predeceased by his wife of 45 years, Gudrun (nee Skulason); parents, Arthur and Victoria and stepfather Valdi Valdimarson; in-laws, Jonas and Hrund Skulason; sisters and brothers-in-law, Sigrun and Jack Jonasson, Herman and Thor Skulason. Gordon was born in Ione, Washington, May 1, 1932. At age 11, he and his mother returned to her home near Langruth, Manitoba. He received his Diploma in Agriculture in 1953 from the University of Manitoba before returning to the farm where he met the new school teacher. Gordon and Gudrun married in 1955 and settled into farm life on the Valdimarson homestead where their five children were born. Gordon loved farming and the sense of community Langruth provided. He always enjoyed reminiscing about his life in Langruth and is fondly remembered by that community. Although Gordon never really left the farm, the family moved to Virden in 1966 when he began his career with the Farm Credit Corporation. Being off the farm opened a whole new world for Gordon and his family. With the company of new friends and neighbours, the family took up skiing, snowmobiling, water skiing and camping. While maintaining his 160 acre hobby farm, Gordon and his family moved to Brandon in 1974, where he continued with FCC, until his retirement in 1988. Retirement gave Gordon time for his passion - people and getting to know them. He talked to everyone with genuine interest and especially enjoyed the company of his grandchildren and extended' grandchildren - Heather, Theresa and Rodney Thordarson; Freda's grandchildren, Nikolas, Anna, Erik and Krista. Gordon wanted his children and later on the grandchildren, to try everything and supported their many endeavours including music lessons, sports and post secondary education. He was definitely their biggest fan! Gordon's travels gave him even more opportunities to reunite with friends and relatives. It wasn't uncommon for him to make many stops en route to his destination to visit with folks and share some laughter. Gordon was proud of his Icelandic and Scottish heritage and enjoyed his travels there. Gordon was very community minded; he was involved with the Elks for over 50 years; the Icelandic Canadian Club and Meals on Wheels. Over and above supporting local and international charities, he was very generous with his time and resources to family and friends. After the passing of Gudrun, Gordon was fortunate to meet Freda Olafson. Freda's company enriched Gordon's life and gave him the opportunity to extend his family, getting to know Freda's children, grandchildren and siblings. They enjoyed many of the same interests - dancing, playing cards, travelling and socializing. Freda brought tremendous joy and comfort to our family; it was a pleasure to see the love and affection they shared. The family wishes to thank the staff at both the Assiniboine Centre and Health Sciences Centre for the care and compassion they showed to Gordon during his stay. A special thanks to friends of the family for all their support and acts of kindness during this difficult time. Celebration of Gordon's life will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church on Sunday, December 18, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. A time of visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Gordon may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9; Redeemer Lutheran Church, 114 Ashgrove Blvd., Brandon, MB R7B 1E1 or charity of your choice. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel Pre-Planning Centre, Brandon, MB 1-888-694-8153.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 17, 2011