GUDMUNDUR LAURENCE (LAURIE) HELGASON

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GUDMUNDUR LAURENCE (LAURIE) HELGASON Laurie Helgason passed into the presence of the Lord on July 22, 2014 in Chilliwack, BC. He was born May 20, 1926 to Mundi and Teenie Helgason on the family farm in the Icelandic community of Arnes, near Gimli, MB where he lived and worked most of his life. As a commercial fisherman on Lake Winnipeg, he partnered with his father, cousins and close friends from his early youth. Laurie was exceptionally gifted with his hands and completed automotive and heavy duty mechanic training at Muscar Engineering in Winnipeg, MB, going on to work in Motor Transport at RCAF Station Gimli until it closed in 1971. He completed advanced welding and precision machining courses, worked in the ship building industry at Gimli, and established a successful automotive repair business near Arnes, MB. Laurie loved hunting, dancing, photography and travelling with family and friends. Laurie was exceptionally kind and gentle, using his remarkable mechanical talent to help others at every opportunity. He was a man of few and softly spoken words always considerate, and often followed by a soft chuckle. He was a devoted son to his parents, a loving brother to Grace Moore (Richard), and a wonderful uncle to Mark Moore (Maureen), Dwight Moore (Marian), Derrick Moore, and Gwenda Brouzes (Rick). He will also be greatly missed by his aunt Minnie Magnusson and his many cousins, great nieces and nephews and friends. In 2005 Laurie moved to Chilliwack to be near his sister and brother-in-law, Grace and Richard. He soon took up residence at the Waverly Seniors Village in Chilliwack, where he enjoyed nine years of wonderful care and activities. His family especially wish to thank all the staff Laurie's friends at the Waverly, which he considered home,' and the Reverend John Sovereign and the Reverend Jennifer Burgoyne, his pastors from St. Thomas Anglican Church, and all the volunteers and visitors who blessed his final years with their music and friendship. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 16, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Anglican Church, 46048 Gore Avenue, Chilliwack, BC, with interment to take place at a later date in Arnes, MB. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Thomas Church Fund. Online condolences may be offered at www.woodlawn-mtcheam.ca. Woodlawn Mt. Cheam Funeral Home 45865 Hocking Avenue Chilliwack BC V2P 1B5 604-793-4555

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 08, 2014