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KENNETH JOHANN (CLAUDE) THORSTEINSON
Born: May 06, 1938
Date of Passing: Mar 07, 2021
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
KENNETH JOHANN (CLAUDE) THORSTEINSON
Born in Riverton MB, at the Bakka Farm beside the Icelandic River, on May 6, 1938 to parents, Sigurlin (Lena) (Erickson) and Kjartan (Ken) Thorsteinson. He was a kind, calm and stubborn Icelander - fiercely proud of his heritage. Always ready with an interesting story on a variety of topics, which we will forever cherish, and wish we could hear just one more.
Claude attended school in Riverton and Business College in Winnipeg where he resided until retirement in 1998 to Lochwoods, north of Gimli. His working career was as an Administrator at Success Commercial College and later Frontier School Division. He loved the travel portion of his job that took him to many communities in Northern Manitoba.
He was interested in genealogy and became a resource for others researching their Icelandic background. Many times the Icelandic River Saga book was pulled from his bookshelf, along with other well used books.
The cottage (Njardvik) was his bliss. He wood carved, puttered and had wonderful memories there. Erika and Carter will forever remember beachcombing, elaborate bedtime stories, informative nature walks, and time on the deck - Claude with a strong cup of black coffee. Saturday BBQ night with his brother Dick, continued until present.
He moved to the Waterfront Centre in Gimli in 2014. He enjoyed his balcony view, the camaraderie of the coffee group, and term as President of the Tenant Association.
Volunteerism was an important part of his life. Icelandic National League of North America, Gimli Icelandic Canadian Society, Icelandic Canadian Fron, Riverton Transportation & Heritage Museum, Icelandic Festival - Cultural Pavilion. He volunteered at the New Iceland Heritage Museum until he was over 80.
He was a hands on Afi with strong, supportive relationships with each grandchild. Countless hours were spent on the phone - especially in this last trying year. He was simply the best dad a daughter could ever hope for.
Claude is survived by his daughter Signy Thorsteinson, grandchildren Erika Sigurlin Thorsteinson (Michael Black), Carter Johann Thorsteinson, and brother Dick Thorsteinson.
"In the end, we all become stories."
- Margaret Atwood.
You will be immeasurably missed.
Goda nott
Donations can be made to the Icelandic Heritage Museum or Betel Home Foundation.
NEIL BARDAL
FUNERAL CENTRE GIMLI
204-642-7124
neilbardalinc.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 13, 2021
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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Claude was an old Riverton friend. We worked together on the Riverton Transportation & Heritage Station committee. I always enjoyed talking with him. Condolences to Dick and the family. - Posted by: Margaret Wishnowski (Friend) on: Mar 28, 2021
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We had offices side by side for 18 years and never once did I hear Claude raise his voice to anyone while I was present. He was a tremendous influence on all he served and mentored which I also experienced while we were both together off-work. Kindness was his personality, respect for others was his normal way of treating people, friendship like no other in good and bad times, all traits that I as a person of good will towards others admired each and every day. Claude was also forthright in procedure, never misguided under pressure when challenged with his decisions, always looking at the bright side of how to resolve issues. His family came first. There was nothing more important to him than his daughter, grandkids and brother. I remember when his dad was still alive. He was always included in weekly get-togethers with his brother. Stories emerged from these timely gatherings of which there could have been many chapters of family history, things yet to do and the countless times they attended my photography functions only to say hello or chat about the projects being done and planned. These are the connections we had and they will never be forgotten. All the very best to the Thorsteinson family, may you continue your traditions with Claude by your side. I will miss him dearly, he was a good friend. - Posted by: Hans Arnold (Friend and Work Acquaintances - Retired) on: Mar 16, 2021
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I grew up with Signy and knew Claude well growing up. He was a great person very kind hearted. I am very sorry for your loss Signy and family sending my condolences and hugs. xoxox - Posted by: Cheryl Fuczek (Goods) (Friend) on: Mar 15, 2021
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Worked with Claude for many years at Frontier School Division.....such a pleasure to work with. RIP - Posted by: Janet Payjack (Co-worker at Frontier School Division) on: Mar 13, 2021
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Our condolences to the family of Claude and to his brother Dick. Claude was a true gentleman, intelligent, and a great source of historical knowledge. Both Claude and Dick were well-known for volunteer work on different community efforts. Claude will be greatly missed by family and by his many friends. God bless Claude. - Posted by: Lloyd & Jeannette Roche (Friends) on: Mar 13, 2021
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