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WILFRED LEONARD ARNASON
Born: Mar 07, 1934
Date of Passing: May 21, 2017
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryWILFRED (WILLIE) LEONARD ARNASON March 7, 1934 - May 21, 2017 On May 21, the man who turned a "marsh into a miracle" gave his final farewell. He was predeceased by his parents Gudjon and Petrina, his children Tracy, Brad and Jill, granddaughter Amy, as well as his nine older siblings. He leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Donna-Mae, son-in-law Karl, Arni (Cheryl), Elly (Jason), Willie (Connie), daughter-in-law Christine, Jeff (Lindsey), Lindsay (Wade), Jesse (Devon), daughter Christy (Donny), Cassie (Adam), Taylor (Sheldon), Sam (Scotia), son-in-law Dave (Kim), Indiana, daughter Jodi (Mike) and Piper, and six great-grandchildren. He was born and raised on the family homestead in Gimli. He gained his exceptional work ethic from his parents and siblings, often spending many hours on the fields and in the barn. He didn't work to live, he lived to work. He married his high school sweetheart, Donna Mae, in 1957. Together they raised five children everywhere from Terrace, BC to Lexington, Kentucky, where he took his Masters in Economics. They settled in Winnipeg where he taught school for many years. Summers were spent with family and friends at Willow Island, one of his favourite places. Upon retiring from teaching, they chose to come back to Gimli to take on the project that would change his hometown forever. His legacy, the development of Siglavik, was a lifelong dream that finally came to fruition in the early 1980s, and proved all naysayers wrong. He, along with his wife and kids worked relentlessly planting trees and seeding grass. Dad spent 16 hour days on the backhoe digging the channels. His idea was "If I build it, they will come...by car or by boat...and they did". Curling was a huge part of Dad's life. Not only was he instrumental in the building of the Gimli Rec Centre, he also invented the "Cobra", a sliding aid which is used by many curlers across the country. In 2004, Dad, Mom, Tracy and Karl travelled to Iceland, where they competed and won an International bonspiel as Team Canada. Many were lucky enough to witness not only his talent on the ice, but his ability to down a shot of whiskey while standing on his head! He spent his final few years taking care of the love of his life, who resides at Betel. He would visit her three times a day, taking her for their daily "date" driving around town, and never left her without a kiss. He also loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, telling stories and inspiring them with his life quotes. One of the favourites, "We live like little Kings". There was a special place in Dad's heart for his son-in-law Karl. He would stop in every day whether for supper, a shot, or to watch curling. He knew he was always welcome. The family would like to extend our sincere gratitude for all the kindness and care Dad received at the Gimli Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gimli Junior Curling Club, c/o Gimli Recreational Centre, Box 1258, Gimli, Manitoba R0C 1B0. At Dad's request, no formal service will be held. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Goda Nott Elskan NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 27, 2017
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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Mr Arnason was my teacher at St Johns high.. He used to tell us about his vision for the Gimli area and that he was going to name the development Siglavik and Miklavik.. I was Soo happy to see years ago that his Dreams became a reality.. A lot of Sweat and hard work. Loved to hear about his plans and progress many years ago..I also have his magazine article from many years ago in the Cottager magazine. ☺️😊😎 - Posted by: Debbie Beger (Former Student of Mr Arnason, St Johns High.. late 1970’s) on: Jan 27, 2025
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Looking through old photos and came across pictures of class of 1962-63 Mr. Arnason was our homeroom teacher! He had a great influence on many of our lives. Sorry to hear of his passing. Would love to forward the school picture?? - Posted by: Maureen Bjorklund (nee Kalcsics (student in Weston at Cecil Rhodes school in Winnipeg) on: Jun 23, 2024
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Our thoughts and prayers to Christy, Donnie and the Arneson's and extended family on the your loss. Christy always spoke with so much love and pride of her dad . At true gentleman who will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Debbie and Rick Buskell (Friend of Christy) on: Jun 20, 2017
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My sincere condolences to Christy and the Arnason and extended family. I feel blessed that I have wonderful memories of spending time in Gimli visiting with your parents and family. - Posted by: Shelly Ferens (Friend of Christy ) on: May 31, 2017
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We have spent the last 14 years living in Siglavik and will be forever grateful to Willie and Donna Mae for the vision, sacrifice and passion that went into this unique community. They turned a vision into a reality and their legacy will live on for generations. Thank you Willie and Donna Mae Ken and Gerry Stephanson - Posted by: Ken and Gerry Stephanson () on: May 30, 2017
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The end of an era, such a wonderful family Willy and his siblings grew up in. it was a pleasure to see him at Willow Island every summer. He was always working on some project but he would stop and have a chat if we would be walking by. Such a nice man, Willow Island and GImli will truly miss him. Our sympathy to his family. Pat & Jim Peacock - Posted by: Pat Peacock (Cousin, friend) on: May 29, 2017
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Willie and his family ( velkomin ) welcomed me to Siglavik life back in 2000. I was in awe of his passion and vision for the area, his obvious love for his family, for life! I have only the best of memories of my times with Willie and through him, his family. The day Miklavik was 'opened' ... the earth dam came down and the water roared in with Brad flying through in his boat, time spent at the wee rental cottage on Willow Island when Jill and Donna Mae removed the carcass of a very large Carp (wondering why I was unable to do so myself), Karl building my house, the Siglavik picnics. Thank you Willie ! - Posted by: Valerie Parker (Friend) on: May 27, 2017
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Gimli has lost another great man whom I had the pleasure of getting to know on his daily visit to Betel to see Donna Mae, he always took time to say hello as I always tried to have the cups available for their coffee, always a big smile and hug for me, and before I left Gimli they both brought me beautiful flowers and wished me well but said they would miss me so much we hugged the three of us and I will always remember their love. My condolences to the family Lorna Kardal - Posted by: Lorna Kardal (friend) on: May 27, 2017
