OLI SIGURJON GISLASON

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OLI SIGURJON GISLASON Peacefully at the Arborg and District Health Centre at the age of 80, Oli Sigurjon Gislason, beloved husband of Jonina passed away December 8, 1999. Born February 1, 1919 at Gilsbakka, Geysir, the family homestead of his parents Gudmundur and Sigrun, Oli lived in the Geysir community his entire life. After attending Laufas School, Oli worked at farming and custom combining. On July 1, 1939 Oli married Jonina Lilja Svanbergson and spent the first winter of their marriage commercial fishing on Lake Winnipeg. In 1940 they bought Fljotsdal and farmed there until 1950 when they moved to their present farm Blomsturvollum. Oli was active in community affairs. He served for seven years on the Geysir Co-op Community Club, 15 years as a trustee on the Geysir School Board. He was a member on the Board of the North Star Co-op Creamery for 20 years as well as a long-standing member of Esjan, a chapter of the Icelandic National League. What he was proudest of was his membership in the Geysir Historical Society and his contribution to the publication of the districts first historical book "Faith and Fortitude", published in 1983. Pride in his Icelandic heritage and thirst for knowledge about his ancestral homeland led to three personal pilgrimages back to Iceland in 1971, 1984 and 1998. A personal highlight in 1998 was being accompanied by his grandson Blair when they visited Holmakoti, the birthplace of his father. Oli farmed right up to his passing, although he and Jonina sold the dairy herd in 1993 Oli continued to take pride in his Charolais cattle that grazed by his home. His love of horses especially a "good matched team" and for the land he worked were traits he instilled in all his family. Known lovingly as Afi Geysir by his 14 grandchildren and Lang Afi by his 16 great-grandchildren, his greatest joy was his family. Always taking the time to share in family triumphs and most importantly his support in challenging times. His legacy will be his love of life, his integrity, and his unselfish, caring for others. Oli truly was a good neighbour to all and was always there to help a fellow member of his community. Predeceased by his parents; 10 siblings and his eldest daughter Viola, Oli is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jonina; son-in-law Floyd Swanson and family, Dwayne (Penny) Swanson (children, Eric and Neely), Blair (Shelley) Swanson, and Randy Swanson (son Kyle) daughter Linda (Wally) Finnbogason (children, Jennifer and Christopher), Vernette Reid (children, Tyler and Mackenzie) son Arthur (Karen) Gislason and family, Cheryl (Neil Gallagher) (children, Rylea and Sean), Corrine Gill (children, Sheena and Drew), Terrence Gislason, Svanberg (Sharon) Gislason (son Braydon), Wade (Stacey) Gislason (daughter Karlie), Marla Hjorliefson (son Colby) daughter Gail (Keith) Eliasson (son Kelsey) son Byron Gislason (step daughter Jessica Gessell, daughter Gabrielle Viola. Oli is also survived by his brother-in-law Sigfus (Carol) Svanbergson; his sisters-in-law, Mattie Clegg and Gudrun Gislason, as well as numerous nephews and nieces. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 11 at the Ardal-Geysir Lutheran Church in Arborg with Pastor Otto Christenson officiating. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Olis memory to the Geysir Cemetery Committee or a charity of ones choice. Oli has gone to rest after a long days work. Goda Nott. Arborg (MacKenzie) Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 10, 1999