TRYGGVI JOHNSON

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TRYGGVI JOHNSON Peacefully, with his family at his side, Tryggvi Johnson, died on Thursday, May 11, 2000 in Baldur & District Health Centre after a short illness. Tryggvi was born April 10, 1928 to Tryggvi and Sigrun Johnson of Baldur, MB. He lived in Baldur and area all of his life. In 1953 he married Marguerite Christopherson and they raised two children: Carol and Rick. Marguerite passed away suddenly in 1975. In 1980 Tryggvi married Emily (Christie) McLennan. For over 40 years, Tryggvi successfully ran T. Johnson Welding Ltd. where his motto was "We sell the best and fix the rest". His son Rick gradually took over the business but Trygg never fully retired and when home during the summers would be down at the shop early each morning to make that ever important pot of coffee and putter about welding or just tidying up. Trygg and Emily spent the winter months in Mesa, Arizona where he enjoyed playing shuffleboard, cards or visiting with their fellow snowbirds. In 1992 he was honoured to receive a Canada 125 Commemorative medal in recognition of his many years of varied community involvement and service. He always strived to do the best he could for his community, be it through his church, various community boards, or sport organizations. In the mid-sixties Trygg developed an interest in trapshooting and this grew to be a life long recreation. Many wonderful friendships began down at Rock Lake Gun Club and at the various competitions he attended all across Canada and the United States. He and Emily planned their summers around the various weekend shoots, where they spent many hours around the motorhome visiting with their close circle of trapshooting friends. He was pleased to receive his 25 year attendance pin in Tucson, Arizona. With his uncommon first name, he was easily recognized, at even the largest shoots, as they would say there were always lots of Johnsons but no others with a handle like Tryggvi. He was quietly proud of his accomplishments, particularly when he won the silverware as the MTA Singles Champion in 1973. In 1992 he was honoured to have his name added to the Manitoba Trapshooting Association Hall of Honour. He served for many years on the provincial association, and also as the Manitoban delegate on the executive of the Canadian Trapshooting Association. His wise and strong principles earned him great respect and he worked hard to promote the sport of trapshooting. Tryggvi was very proud of his Icelandic roots, keeping up his command of the language and making sure his children and grandchildren appreciated "from whence they came". He was thrilled to be able to visit Iceland on two occasions, wonderful experiences that furthered his knowledge and appreciation of his genetic heritage. Tryggvi was also known for his great love of nature, in particular all types of birds. Their birdfeeders and birdhouses were always well attended and a tattered birdbook readily available to identify any new visitors. As our Dad and "Afi" he was always supportive and proud of our accomplishments. During his grandchildrens formative years he was often heard to say "Someday they will be old and wont do that anymore" which was of great comfort to the harried parent! He of course was right, and through his strong, patient and loving presence he taught us well. He was and always will be a source of inspiration to all of us as we endeavour to live our lives as he did, never being judgemental, spiteful, or jealous, just doing the best you can at all you do. Tryggvi leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife Emily; daughter Carol Ross (Ron Chapman) of Killarney; son Rick (Lee) Johnson of Baldur; grandchildren, Matthew (Sherrie) Ross and great-granddaughter Taylor of Elkhorn, Corinne (Rob) MacDonald of Ninette, Jeremy Ross of Killarney, Jessica and Andrew Johnson of Baldur. His passing is also mourned by his step-children, Barry (Brenda) McLennan of Regina, Sandra (Bryon) Cline of Belmont and Deanne (Garry) Ramage of Saskatoon; step-grandchildren, Trent (Leanne) McLennan and their children, Eric and Alyx; Jason (Sherri) McLennan and their girls, Leslie and Courtney; Kimberley, Chad and Brad McLennan; Kami (Brad) Bailey and their girls, Taylor and Kyra; Aynsley Cline and her son Tristan; Clarke and Kyle Ramage; his brother-in-law Alli Sigvaldason of Baldur; as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Tryggvi and Sigrun; his first wife Marguerite; brothers, Chris, Magnus and wife Gudrun; sisters, Emily Webb and Jonsie Sigvaldason; foster brother Einar Isford and wife Edith and his nephew Bob Sigvaldason. Funeral services were held in the Immanual Lutheran Church, Baldur on Monday, May 15 with interment at the Baldur Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Currie Campbell, Norman Skardal, Bob Avery, Del Howell, John Webb and Alan Skardal. Trapshooting friends were in attendance as an honour guard. Friends who wish may donate in Tryggvis memory to the Baldur and Area Foundation Endowment Fund, or to the Immanual Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, Baldur, MB. Jamieson Funeral Service of Baldur-Glenboro was in charge of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 21, 2000