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STEFAN SIGURDSON  Obituary pic

STEFAN SIGURDSON

Born: Nov 21, 1921

Date of Passing: May 26, 2012

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STEFAN SIGURDSON Stefan was a special man with a quiet way. He was born into an Icelandic Canadian fishing family in Hnausa, Manitoba, along the shores of Lake Winnipeg on November 21, 1921. He spent the first 70 years of his life in the village of Riverton, the family home and headquarters of Sigurdson Fisheries Ltd. with a family legacy of more than a century on Lake Winnipeg. In his last years it was pictures of the lake, its remote and humble fishing stations, and the men and women with whom he spent his working life that gave him great pleasure and comfort. He was known as a statesman within the Lake Winnipeg fishery, and looked to for guidance and wisdom whether it was in communities around the lake like Berens River where the family had first started its operations in 1895, in Winnipeg doing business, or selling fish into the markets of Chicago. He gave strong leadership by giving strength to others without ego and always, with respect. Those same qualities he gave to his family. When he returned from three years of duty on a Royal Canadian Navy corvette in the North Atlantic, he saw a beautiful young woman walking down the street in Riverton. He soon identified her as Sylvia Brynjolfson, whose family had recently relocated to Riverton from Hecla Island where his own family had begun their life in Canada in 1876. His strategy was simple. Talking fish with her dad Malli , one of the iconic Lake Winnipeg fishermen, would be the best way into her heart and then her life. They married in 1946, and in the 66 years that followed, they were a powerful team building a life, bringing up their three children, and working together in the business, the church and the community as dedicated citizens and untiring contributors. Their children were all infused with a deep drive for education. Each built successful lives with their own families, Glenn and his wife Maureen, and their children Paul and Sonja and daughter-in-law Marjorie in Vancouver, Elaine and her children Laura and Alys in Toronto, and Eric and his wife Wendy with their children, Stefan and Elin and daughter-in-law Mary in St. Louis. And in the last three years, he enjoyed the further pleasure of a great-granddaughter, Scarlett, the daughter of Paul and Marjorie. After many wonderful winters spent in Florida, they moved from Riverton to White Rock where they have made their retirement home. Here they created a full and active life for 20 years in close connection with family, as members of their condo community, and within the Icelandic community on the West Coast. He was a lifelong Mason, a member of the Shrine, and of the Canadian Legion. Stefan passed away on May 26, 2012, leaving behind his beloved Sylvia, his children and their families, his sisters Helga Bjornson, Val and her husband Bill Atkinson, Gladys Peterson, Lois and her husband Irvin Olafson, and sisters-in-law, Judith Sigurdson, Alta Sigurdson, and Solveig Riddell. He was predeceased by his parents, Sigurdur Victor (SV) and Kristrun Sigurdson, his brothers Gordon, Victor, and Ralph, brothers-in-law Vern Peterson, Norman Riddell, Grimsi Brynjolfson and Bud Bjornson, sister-in-law Columbine Brynjolfson, his uncles and partners in the family business, Sigurdur Runberg (SR) and Stefan Valdis (Steve), and his parents-in-law, Marus and Vilborg Brynjolfson. If so desired, gifts in Memoriam may be made to the George Derby Center Society, 7550 Cumberland St., Burnaby, BC V3N 3X5. The George Derby Center is a residential care facility for Canadian veterans where Stefan received wonderful care for the last year and a half of his life for which the family is extremely grateful. Services will be held on Friday, June 1 at 11:00 a.m. at the Mount Olive Lutheran Church of White Rock, 2350-148th, Surrey, BC.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 30, 2012

Condolences & Memories (5 entries)

  • Sincere condolences to Sylvia and family and also to all of his sisters. Though distance has separated all of us, our roots and history are intertwined. Know my thoughts are with you. - Posted by: Lorna Jonasson Holtzman (Friend from Riverton) on: Jun 02, 2012

  • Dear Sylvia, Glenn, Elaine, Eric and families We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our deepest Sympathies to you all. Take care Love Jack, Josie, Michael, Justin, Tyson & Ashley xo - Posted by: Jack & Josie Monkman & Family (Grimsi's neighbors) on: Jun 01, 2012

  • Thanks to all the family as I so vividly recall all the stories from so long ago. - Posted by: Lorna (Jonasson) Holtzman (An old friend of the entire family and specially to Sylvia.children and grandchildren.I have so many) on: May 31, 2012

  • The Fisherman I saw an old fisherman out in a boat, rocking alone on the rippling waters. "Are you fishing for sport?" I called out to him, trying to be friendly, but he only waved. Thinking that maybe he couldn't hear me too well, I called out again in a louder voice. "Are you fishing for food?" I asked him this time, hoping I'd get a response. Once again, he simply waved, as his boat drifted a little more. As he drew nearer, his face became clearer, and soon I knew who he was. "Are you fishing for me?" I asked Him this time, knowing the answer before He replied. The fisherman smiled as he held out his hand and said to me, "Come aboard, Child." With all our love and heartfelt sympathies in the loss of a great man. Stefan was truly one of the kindest most respected men of his time and he will be truly missed. Your Sigurdson Fisheries Family Johnny Shirley Ann Sigurdson Brenda, Chris, Darren, Kim, Lana & Warren - Posted by: Sylvia, Glenn, Eric, Elaine, and families: (Family Relatives) on: May 30, 2012

  • Eric, Elaine, Glenn and families: Your dad was a very special person, who I admired always. I loved both his sincerity and quiet humour. Am thinking of you at this very sad time. Please also pass along condolences and warm thoughts to your mom. Rod and Debbie Palson. - Posted by: Rod Palson (Friend) on: May 30, 2012

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