GEORGE LEONARD BJARNARSON

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GEORGE LEONARD BJARNARSON Peacefully on July 1, 2000 at the Brandon General Hospital, George Leonard Bjarnarson, age 77 years, of Gladstone, beloved husband of Rachel (Rae). Leonard was born September 8, 1922 in the R.M. of Westbourne, son of Gudmann and Arnbjorg Bjarnarson. He grew up and attended school in the Steele Bridge District. Leonard enlisted in the RCAF in October 1942 and served overseas from July 1943 to October 1945 as a rear gunner with #10 Squadron. On June 1, 1946 he married Rachel Christina Muylle of St. Vital in Winnipeg. They moved to the Steele Bridge District where they lived and raised their five children. In 1990 they left the farm and moved to Gladstone. After moving to town Leonard continued to make twice daily trips to the farm until March, 2000. His life long love was for his farm and his family. He will be forever remembered by his family for his never ending patience, his easy going manner, and his positive approach to life - he could always laugh and see the lighter side of any situation. He appreciated the simple things in life and taught his children and grandchildren by example. He had a solution to just about any problem. Dad (Grandpa) had a natural ability to build or to fix just about anything and he spent many relaxing hours in his shop at the farm. Two of his favourite projects were his army truck and his cat. In his younger years, he liked hunting and enjoyed deer season, hunting with his brothers, sons, sons-in-law, and nephews at Steele Bridge. He enjoyed reading, especially about Canadian history and world affairs. He had a terrific memory and could tell you a little bit about any topic you chose to discuss with him because he had "read about it somewhere." He served as chairman of the Steele Bridge School and was a trustee of the Pine Creek School Division No. 30 from 1968 to 1972. He was a member of the Gladstone Royal Canadian Legion Branch #110. Leonard was predeceased by his parents, Gudmann and Arnbjorg Bjarnarson, two half brothers (Paul and Lauge) two brothers (Ronald and Valdi) one sister (Sylvia Hillman) one brother-in-law (Gil Hillman) one sister-in-law (Wellentina Bjarnarson) one son-in-law (Bob Harrington) and two nephews (Brent Bjarnarson and Harold Bjarnarson). He leaves to mourn his passing his wife Rae of 54 years; three sons, Bob (Louise), Doug (Debbie), Glenn (Shauna) two daughters, Dianne Harrington and Joan (Tom) Kinley. He will be missed but fondly remembered by his eight grandsons, Scott, Dean, Michael, Mark, Trevor, Jarratt, Trevor, Eric and six granddaughters, Jill, Karen, Nadine, Kristyn, Melissa and Kayla. Also surviving are one brother Dori (Olive) of Gladstone; two sisters, Lillian (Ken) Smith of Claresholm, AB and Flossie (Ken) Anderson of Gladstone; four sisters-in-law, Alice Anderson, Ethel Anderson, Phyllis Bjarnarson, and Grace Bjarnarson; one aunt Helga Jackson; many friends, neighbours, nieces and nephews, as well as relatives in Iceland. In accordance with Leonards wishes cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be held on Monday, July 3 at 11:00 a.m. in the Gladstone United Church with Rev. Blair Whyte officiating. Interment will follow in the Gladstone Cemetery. All those in attendance are considered honorary pallbearers. Should friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to Seven Regions Palliative Care, Box 374, Gladstone, MB or to the Northwest Handi Transit, Box 1000, Gladstone, MB R0J 0T0. Clarkes Funeral Home, Gladstone in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 03, 2000