BENEDIKT ARASON CHRISTIANSON

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

BENEDIKT ARASON CHRISTIANSON Benedikt Arason Christianson, beloved husband of Catherine (nee Westmacott) and father of Janice (Jim Wood), Joan, Linda (Murray Smith), Ken (Deborah) and Carol, died on December 5, 1999 after a short illness. He was predeceased by his parents and an infant brother. Benedikt (Ben) Christianson was born July 14, 1923 in Winnipeg to Jona Benediktsdottir and Guony Christianson. His maternal grandfather, Benedikt Arason, brought his family to Canada in September of 1874, settling in the Gimli area in 1875. Bens father emigrated to Canada at the age of 17 to join an older brother and sister. In addition to his wife and children, Ben is survived by his sisters, Pauline (widow of Tom Madsen) and Margaret (widow of Roy Mensforth). Ben grew up in West Kildonan, attending Centennial School and then United College on a scholarship for Grade 12. He was a keen tennis player and competed in Junior tournaments. Ben joined the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders during the Second World War and saw action in Europe. He returned to Canada in 1946 and studied accounting before working for the Hudsons Bay Company. Ben and Cathie were married in 1948 at Tabernacle Baptist Church and later moved to Neil Avenue in East Kildonan. Ben later worked at the RCA Victor Co. in management. In 1960 he began working for the Unemployment Insurance Commission and remained with the federal civil service until his retirement as a regional manager in 1984. During his working years, Ben was active in Kiwanis (East Kildonan, Brandon and St. James). He also belonged to the Royal Canadian Legion, most recently in Winnipeg Beach. After retiring, Ben and Cathie travelled to Iceland and to Europe before building their retirement home in Matlock where they spent their summers. Winters were spent at the Paradise RV Park in Sun City, Arizona where Ben and Cathie made many good friends. This winter would have been their first one in Manitoba for many years. Ben was an active member of the Manitoba Sunny Sams trailer club for a number of years. Most recently, he belonged to the Lakeside Seniors Group in Matlock, enjoying social activities and playing cards until his health failed this year. Known as "Poppa" to his grandchildren, Ben built doll houses and a tree house for his grandchildrens enjoyment. For the past ten years, Ben and Cathie welcomed young people to Matlock to compete in the Islendingaoagurrin Sand Castle contest with grandaughters Kristjana and Catherine. Poppa enjoyed the visits of Nicole, Wesley and Dana to Matlock for special weekends and periodically surprised them with special gifts of boxes of loonies. He followed their educational progress and their activities with pride. The family wishes to thank Drs. Sikora and Yafee and the nursing staff of Seven-West and Palliative Care, St. Boniface General Hospital for their care. A memorial service celebrating Bens life will be held Friday, December 10 at 11:00 a.m. at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 155 Bannerman Avenue, Winnipeg. Should you wish, donations in Bens memory may be made to Tabernacle Baptist Church or to the charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 08, 1999