VALDIMAR BENJAMIN KJERNISTED

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VALDIMAR BENJAMIN KJERNISTED

Peacefully, surrounded by family, care staff and with amazing strength, Valdimar Benjamin Kjernisted passed away August 20, 2025, at Ayre Manor in Sooke, BC.

Val is predeceased by his loving wife Bev of 65 years and is survived by children Kevin (Charlotte) Bradley, Brent, Lori (Wes) and Lyle (Amber), his grandchildren Chloe, Nicholas, Bryn, Benjamin and Kristjan. He also leaves behind his little sister Shirley of Regina, brother-in-law Brian (Virginia) of Calgary and many nieces and nephews.

Val was born in the then RM of Siglunes on October 27, 1928, and was the second youngest of nine children. He grew up on the family farm at Oakview, Manitoba where they raised cattle and sheep, fished in the winters on Lake Manitoba, and where his father Carl and mother Lilja were the postmasters for Oakview Post Office from 1927 to 1961. He attended Darwin School in his early years before moving to Winnipeg to attend Daniel McIntyre High School, where he excelled in his studies and enjoyed track and field. After high school Val taught at Darwin School for one year before attending the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph, Ontario, graduating in 1954. He met his wife and lifelong dance partner, Beverley, while working as a veterinarian in Melita, Manitoba. They married in 1958 and settled in Stonewall, Manitoba where Val partnered with his mentor Dr. Cy Pickell at Stonewall Veterinary Clinic, At the same time, they established their family farm, Stone Oak Polled Shorthorns, where they raised their five children.

Val was passionate about his family, veterinary work and the relationships with people that he met throughout his far-reaching practice in the Interlake region of Manitoba. Many of his clients became his good friends and he worked tirelessly for the farmers that he was proud to be one of. In his “spare time” he and Bev built the family farm, nurturing their children, the land and at times 100 odd head of cattle. He particularly enjoyed the purebred cattle business, which resulted in the breeding of many champion show cattle shown throughout North America.

In 1978, Val left private veterinary practice to pursue the second part of his career, joining the Health of Animals branch of the federal government, retiring in 1992. The career move afforded he and Bev more time to enjoy some of their other interests: reading, fishing, golfing, gardening, travelling and spending time with family and friends at their Lake of the Woods cottage. Many fond memories were made with his grandchildren while at the cottage, where he taught them to enjoy nature, fish and for anyone wanting to learn - to fillet fish.

Val and Bev’s adventures continued when they moved to Colwood, BC in 2006 with Lori, Wes and Kristjan where they lived in their home for 18 years. Val and Bev continued, for many years, to spend summers at Lake of the Woods and in later years visiting friends and family in Manitoba. More recent years were spent in their Colwood backyard enjoying morning coffee, nature and one of Val’s passions, reading. Through the years they traveled with Lori, Wes and Kristjan and hung out at the rinks watching their grandsons play hockey. After Bev’s passing in 2024 and in accordance with her wishes, Val moved to the amazing Ayre Manor in Sooke, BC where he remained until his passing. It must be noted that Val took great pride in his Icelandic heritage often singing Icelandic songs and holding on to his first language until his passing. Hvil i fridi Dad, Grandpa and Afi. We love you and know that you are now again dancing with Mom, Grandma and Amma.

Val’s wishes were to have his ashes sprinkled along with Bev’s at Lake of the Woods, and a Celebration of Life will be held in the future. Many thanks to the staff at Ayre Manor for providing such great care to our Dad and making him feel like family.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 04, 2025