RAYMOND PALSSON (RAY)

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RAYMOND PALSSON
August 8, 1959 - January 6, 2021

With great sorrow we announce the passing of our loving husband, father, brother and uncle at his home in Hnausa, on January 6, 2021, his loved ones at his side.
He is predeceased by his parents, Pall and Sigurros (nee Vidal); and mother-in-law Gladys Gislason. He is survived by his wife Kathy; daughters, Lauren (Derek), Dustin (Miso), Bailey (David), Morgan (Nicholas), Taylor (Kobie); sisters, Valerie (Douglas), Patricia (Victor), Roslyn (Morley), Deanna (Blair); father-in-law David Gislason (Judy); many nieces, nephews and their families.
We will remember him as a loving father and a hardworking farmer. He was a mechanic, electrician, plumber, carpenter, "vet" and "doctor". His "non-traditional" creative approach to treating minor injuries will be fondly remembered.
Raymond was born on a beautiful day, August 8, 1959, the day of the Arborg Agricultural Fair. His interest in machinery started at an early age. He used his first "machinery" to dig ditches, build roads and farms in his parents' yard. He was always on the move. He attended grade one at Hnausa School, walking through the pasture and along the railway track as a short cut. It wasn't long before he was working alongside his dad, driving tractors and equipment, herding and milking cows, as well as feeding the chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks, pigs, then picking eggs, hauling bales, and later proudly obtained his class one driver's license.
After graduating in 1977 he continued working with his parents, and purchased his first farm in 1980. He headed West in the winter of 1981 to work on the rigs, returning with great memories and fantastic stories. Raymond met Kathy that summer; they married June 5, 1982, and started their family. He independently designed and built the family's first home on the lakeshore and many of the furnishings including a desk, bunk beds, dressers, book shelves and an entertainment center.
Music was always a big part of Raymond's life, whether songs sung with (or by) his mom and dad in the car on family trips, the radio and speakers he installed in the barn and played at full volume, the stereo system in his trucks that included a good sized eight track and then a cassette collection, a beautiful stereo system and records for the house, or a radio in the garage and later in the shop to listen to while working.
He owned and operated the dairy, raised leafcutter bees, crops and beef cattle with the loving help of Kathy and his daughters. Raymond was a force to be reckoned with, keeping everything going with his hard work, a strong will, great determination, and the combined efforts of the whole family.
Family was most important to him, and he always made time to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries with his sisters and their families. Coffee with his parents was a daily event, making plans for the day or a quick visit. He was always happy to take people around the farm to see the cows, a baby calf, or a new piece of equipment.
His love and respect for the land and animals guided and informed his decisions in his planning and operations of the farm. He was never too busy to stop and bring home some baby wild life for the girls when they were small (to later return them), or have a coffee with the milk truck driver, or a friendly chat with any of the numerous salesmen that stopped by. His genuine appreciation of people led to lifelong friendships with many of them.
He was involved in the community and volunteered in many ways; from serving on the Hnausa Cemetery board, Riverton Elks Lodge #530, and several years of service to the Dairy Farmers of Manitoba Producer committee - he always had interest in improving the industry. Raymond appreciated his community. He was always happy to help and support local fundraising efforts. He made time for his neighbours by clearing driveways, checking cottages, and assisting people who were stranded or in need of help.
Thank you to all the helping hands for their hard work on the farm over the years. Many have become dear friends, a big part of his life, and members of the regular "Safety Meetings".

Your will was strong, your heart was true
With love, we will remember you.

Special thanks to all the health care teams that helped us through Ray's illness. Your kindness will not be forgotten.
Raymond has been buried beside his parents in the Hnausa Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, if you so wish, donations can be sent to the Arborg and District Heritage Village, the Icelandic River Foundation, or a charity of your choice.

Goda nott, elskan minn.

NEIL BARDAL
FUNERAL CENTRE GIMLI
204-642-7124
neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 16, 2021